ABSTRACT

This chapter presents a proactive hazard control approach based on leadership involvement and the practice of effective management. The author frequently uses the term hazard control instead of safety when placing emphasis on preventing accidents, illnesses, and injuries. Senior healthcare leaders must learn to promote hazard control and safety as an organizational value. Hazard control effectiveness impacts both the overt and covert cultures of any healthcare organization. The safety culture of healthcare organizations must be recognizable by those served. Healthcare organizations seeking to maintain revenues, minimize losses, serve their communities, and meet regulatory or accreditation requirements need effective safety functions. Healthcare is one of the fastest growing sectors of the US economy, employing over 12 million workers with women representing about 80% of the healthcare workforce. Rates of occupational injury to healthcare workers have risen over the past decade. Safety issues facing healthcare organizations include needlesticks, back injuries, slips and falls, laser hazards, chemical exposures, biological hazards, workplace violence, and community safety issues. An increased emphasis on topics such as emergency management, indoor air quality, and patient safety indicates that safety will remain a key function in healthcare organizations. Effective healthcare hazard control management continues to be overlooked despite the number of workers employed in healthcare-related occupations. Advances in medical technology and clinical treatment techniques expose workers and patients to a variety of potential hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to highlight the importance of safety and health for all healthcare organizations including hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, and physician practices (see Tables 1.1 and 1.2).