SAIT DMST 217 Workplace Safety – Ergonomics, WHMIS, Infection Control & Lab Hazards

Vocabulary flashcards covering ergonomics, WHMIS, infection control, and related lab safety concepts from the notes.

Ergonomics

The scientific study of designing tools and equipment to fit the human body and work environment, reducing injury risk.

WRMSD (Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder)

Injuries to muscles, tendons, or nerves caused by workplace demands.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

MSK and nerve injuries from repetitive tasks and poor body mechanics; commonly affects shoulder and neck, as well as the wrist, back, and hands.

Arm abduction

Movement of the arm away from the body; in this context, keep abduction to no more than 30 degrees with arm support.

Shoulder neutral

Shoulder position where it is not raised toward the ear; kept in a neutral posture during work.

Wrist neutral

Wrist position kept straight (neutral) during work to reduce strain.

RSI prevention

Strategies to prevent RSI: proper body mechanics, ergonomic awareness, adjusting equipment, mini breaks, conditioning/stretching, keeping the patient close, minimizing arm abduction, and keeping the shoulder neutral.

WHMIS

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System; national hazard communication system for worksites using hazardous materials.

SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

Document that provides hazard information, safe handling procedures, and first aid guidance for hazardous products.

WHMIS 2015 components

Identification/classification of hazards; labeling; Safety Data Sheets; worker education and training.

Hazard labeling

Labels that communicate the hazards of hazardous products.

Sani-wipes

Sanitizing wipes used to disinfect surfaces and reduce contamination.

Iodine solutions

Iodine-based solutions used for procedures; hazardous products that require proper handling.

Oxygen tanks

Oxygen gas cylinders; considered hazardous materials to handle with care.

Infection Control

Practices aimed at preventing the spread of pathogens; healthcare workers are at high risk.

Cycle of Infection

Sequence of infection: reservoir, exit from reservoir, vehicle of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

Reservoir

Place where organisms grow and reproduce (humans or animals).

Exit from reservoir

Escape route for organisms (nose, throat, mouth, ear, intestinal/urinary tracts, wounds).

Vehicle of transmission

Means by which organisms are carried (hands, equipment, droplets, surfaces).

Portal of entry

Body entry point for organisms (breaks in skin or mucous membranes, mouth, nose, GU tract).

Susceptible host

Person whose body cannot fight off organisms; at higher risk of illness.

Modes of transmission

Contact (direct/indirect), droplet, and airborne transmission.

MRSA

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; antibiotic-resistant bacteria on the skin.

VRE

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus; antibiotic-resistant bacteria often found in stool of infected patients.

TB

Tuberculosis; bacterial infection that can affect various organs.

Medical asepsis

Practices that render an object or area free of pathogens.

Disinfection

Process of inactivating pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, hair and shoe covers used to reduce exposure.

Hand hygiene

Practices to clean hands to remove pathogens, using ABHR or soap and water.

ABHR

Alcohol-Based Hand Rub; used before/after patient, after gloves, and when in contact with contaminated surfaces.

Endocavity transducer disinfection

High-level disinfection of endocavity ultrasound transducers using chemical agents (e.g., Cidex, MetriCide, Revital‑Ox).

Biohazard waste

Containers for material contaminated with blood and body fluids.

Sharps bin

Container for needles and other sharp medical instruments.

Incident report

Documentation of safety incidents or near misses to improve safety.