. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The sustainable management of Healthcare Waste (HCW) has continued to generate increasing public interest due to the health problems associated with human exposure to potentially hazardous wastes arising from healthcare (Tudor et al., 2005; Ferreira, 2003; Da Silver et al., 2005).Presently a considerable gap exists with regard to the assessment of healthcare waste management practices in several other countries in Sub–Saharan Africa. The nature and quantity of healthcare waste generated as well as institutional practices with regards to sustainable methods of healthcare waste management, including waste segregation and waste recycling are often poorly examined and poorly documented in several countries of the world despite the health risks posed by the improper handling of healthcare waste (Farzadika et al., 2009; Oke, 2005). It is also of serious concern that the level of awareness, particularly of health workers regarding healthcare waste has not been adequately documented.
Healthcare waste is a special category of waste because it often contains materials that may be harmful and can cause ill health to those exposed to it. A number of studies have indicated that the inappropriate handling and disposal of healthcare waste poses health risks to health workers who may be directly exposed, and to people near health facilities, particularly children and scavengers who could become exposed to infectious wastes and they may even at a higher risk of
Pathology waste should not be mixed with regular laboratory-generated medical waste. Sharps must not be placed directly into medical waste bags. Secondary containers must be leak-proof, have rigid walls, and have a securable lid. Secondary containers must be labeled with the biohazard symbol and the word Biohazard on the lid and on the sides, so that the label is visible from any lateral view.
As a health care professional, I will help to ensure that work environment is safe by following the rules. Trashing materials in appropriate cans is the most important for all employees in the building. Knowing my responsibilities for my own health and safety in the workplace. If I found something unsafe condition, I will report immediately to my employer. Using personal protection equipment is important for your own safety.
Allied Medical Waste Tracking Inc. was started to solve the problem of the dangers of improper disposal of medical waste. The intention of the company was clear and the results were supported by the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988. This act demanded that all health institutions find a way to dispose of their medical waste. The consequences for failing to comply were fines imposed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Medical facilities were required to have a way of managing infectious waste. Some standards were put in place to make sure that the facilities did not compromise the well being of the environment. There are impacts on human health and the
Being in a health and social care setting means that there are many opportunities to be exposed to infection. For example MRA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and hazardous
1. Explain how the environment is prepared, maintained and cleaned to ensure it is ready for the healthcare activity
Hospital waste is one of the world’s growing problems. Hospitals on average produce 29 pounds of waste per staffed bed in just one day (2016). One of the reasons for medical waste is that a large amount disposable products used for sanitary reasons such as drapes, basins, and sponges (Conrardy J et al, 2009). However, new methods using reusable products in operating rooms have provided a means to decrease the regulated medical waste generated by an average of 65% (Conrardy J et al, 2009). Even if the hospital bureaucracy is unconcerned with the environment. These changes reduce the cost of waste disposal (Conrardy J et al, 2009). On the social side of progress, nonprofits like Practice Greenhealth provide sources for environmental solutions for the health care sector. At the hospital’s request, they can send information packets to help inform hospital staff on more environmental purchases such as the “Less Waste member-only toolkit”
The first potential hazard I saw whilst carrying out a risk assessment whilst at a health and social care setting was a wet floor. As the floor was wet it was a hazard and had many risks to it, which could have resulted in severe damage or injury. It is harmful to the staff, visitors and children. It was in the corridor near the reception. It could have severe results such as anybody got have slipped and fell over. As there was a kitchen right next to
This is a major hazard because if the environment in a nursing home is unclean this can lead to spreading diseases, infections and causes the environment to start to smell and that could add up to the patients illness.
In my assignment I will be creating a poster which explains potential hazards and the harm that may arise from them in a health care setting.
Unit 3 P1 - Explain potential hazards and the harm that may arise from each in a health or social care setting
They are many unsafe practices which can affect the wellbeing of individuals such as: unsanitary conditions (leading to infections), not washing the hands properly, having dirty kitchen which can also lead to infections, faulty equipment, not having risk assessments done when a service user hurts himself/herself, not recording by carer the client’ s health condition and wellbeing and not monitoring it.
This paragraph explains ways to prevent infections contracted from hospitals. The number one way to lower the spread of infections contracted through a hospital is correct sanitation customs. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal government agency has come up with guidelines in order to safeguard against the expansion of infections and diseases for patients and the workers (Hedman, 2010). It is mandatory for administrators of hospitals to write a disclosure policy to protect the workers from infections like Hepatitis B and other infections and bad bacteria. Minimizing infections that the workers have can aid in stopping the spread of
4.2: The potential risks of infection within the workplace can be very high in a care home as you are constantly coming into contact with people who may have infections, handling waste material which could be contaminated and working in an environment and with equipment which could be contaminated. This is why it is extremely important to wear the correct PPE and use the correct hand washing procedure and use the correct cleaning products.
A strong, responsive and sustainable primary health care system that improves health care for all Australians, especially those who currently experience inequitable health outcomes, by keeping people healthy, preventing illness, reducing the need for hospital services and improving management of chronic conditions.
I know that the healthcare industry has lots of information to go through, but it is an excellent topic to discuss because it covers what we have learned the entire time in this course about sustainability. In fact, hospitals have to find ways to reduce, reuse, and recycled so that they can cut waste. Also, I think they have some waste prevention program/ initiatives in place that help hospitals to find opportunities so that they can reduce waste to meet cost savings.