Hospital Employee Health – December 1, 2003
December 1, 2003
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New Joint Commission mandate: Be ever ready for surveyors
This year, surveyors from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations may not ask you much about employee health. But they may question employees or observe their safety practices to find out how well your hospital protects them from hazards. -
JCAHO: Spend more time with staff, less with documents
Much of the survey work will occur before the surveyors arrive from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and youll be doing it. -
CDC: Use surgical masks around respiratory patients
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) forever may alter the way hospitals handle patients with respiratory illnesses. -
OSHA restates edict: Don’t reuse tube holders
Consider this the final and official notice: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has stated again that blood tube holders cannot be removed from devices for reuse. -
Cardiac problems still plague smallpox program
Public health experts continue to puzzle over the possible link between the smallpox vaccine and heart problems, as they investigate four recent cases of serious heart ailments. -
Ergonomics program gives a lift to morale
Ergonomics is more than a way to lift patients. As Butler (PA) Memorial Hospital found, it can lift morale and employee satisfaction, as well. -
Fire safety precautions needed with hand rubs
Fire safety measures should be used when installing dispensers or storing alcohol-based hand rubs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises. -
News Brief
OSHA: Protect HCWs from West Nile blood exposure -
2003 Salary Survey Results
Dont expect much of a raise this year. If youre looking for a substantial increase in salary, youll have to get a promotion or move to an urban or suburban hospital.