Allied Health Revision

Key Definitions in Workplace Health and Safety (HLTWHS001)

• Hazard

• Any source of potential harm, injury, or illness.

• Types:

  • Physical Hazards: Slippery floors, faulty equipment, extreme temperatures.

  • Chemical Hazards: Cleaning products, disinfectants, anesthetic gases.

  • Biological Hazards: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, bodily fluids.

  • Ergonomic Hazards: Poor posture, repetitive movements, heavy lifting.

  • Psychosocial Hazards: Workplace bullying, excessive workloads, stress.

• Incident

• Any unplanned event that results in injury, damage, or a near-miss.

• Examples:

  • A nurse slipping on a wet floor.

  • A patient receiving the wrong medication.

  • A fire breaking out in a hospital.

• Duty of Care

• A legal and ethical responsibility to ensure safety.

• Employer’s Responsibilities:

  • Provide a safe workplace, equipment, and training.

  • Identify and control hazards.

• Employee’s Responsibilities:

  • Follow safety procedures.

  • Use PPE properly.

  • Report hazards and incidents.

• Risk Control

• Steps taken to reduce or eliminate risks.

• Hierarchy of Controls:

  • Eliminate the hazard (e.g., removing broken equipment).

  • Substitute or isolate the hazard (e.g., using a less toxic chemical).

  • Engineering controls (e.g., installing ventilation systems).

  • Administrative controls (e.g., training and safety policies).

  • PPE (e.g., gloves, masks, goggles).

• PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)

• The legal entity responsible for WHS compliance.

• Examples:

  • A hospital, a nursing home, a private medical clinic.

• Manual Handling

• Tasks involving lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects or people.

• Common Risks:

  • Back injuries from improper lifting.

  • Repetitive strain injuries from excessive movement.

• Prevention:

  • Bend at the knees, not the waist.

  • Use mechanical aids (hoists, trolleys).

  • Get assistance when lifting heavy loads.

• Biological Hazard

• Any hazard involving exposure to biological substances.

• Examples:

  • Bloodborne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B).

  • Airborne diseases (Tuberculosis).

  • Contaminated needles (sharps injuries).

• Psychosocial Hazard

• Hazards that affect mental health and well-being.

• Examples:

  • Workplace harassment.

  • High-stress environments.

  • Burnout from excessive workloads.

• Hazardous Chemicals

• Any chemical substance that can cause harm to health.

• Examples:

  • Formaldehyde (used for preserving tissue).

  • Chlorine-based disinfectants.

• Handling Precautions:

  • Proper storage and labeling.

  • Use PPE (gloves, masks).

  • Ensure good ventilation.

• Emergency Equipment

• Examples:

  • Fire extinguishers.

  • First aid kits.

  • Defibrillators (AED).

  • Emergency eye wash stations.

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

• Protects against workplace hazards.

• Types:

  • Gloves (prevent contamination).

  • Masks (protect from airborne pathogens).

  • Gowns (used in surgical settings).

  • Safety goggles (prevent eye injuries).

• Sharps

• Needles, scalpels, broken glass, or anything that can puncture skin.

• Safe Disposal:

  • Use sharps containers.

  • Never recap used needles.

  • Follow proper waste disposal protocols.

Communication in Health or Community Services (CHCCOM005)

• Verbal Communication

• The use of spoken words to convey a message.

• Examples:

  • A nurse explaining medication instructions to a patient.

  • A doctor discussing a diagnosis with a patient.

• Non-Verbal Communication

• Using body language, facial expressions, and gestures.

• Examples:

  • A smile to show warmth and reassurance.

  • Nodding to show understanding.

  • Crossed arms indicating discomfort or defensiveness.

• Active Listening

• Fully focusing on the speaker and understanding their message.

• Techniques:

  • Eye contact.

  • Nodding or verbal affirmations (“I understand”).

  • Asking follow-up questions.

• Privacy & Confidentiality

• Privacy: The right to control personal information.

• Confidentiality: Keeping patient information secure and only sharing when necessary.

• Duty of Care

• Legal and ethical responsibility to provide safe and appropriate care.

• Discrimination

• Treating people unfairly based on race, gender, age, disability, etc.

• Mandatory Reporting

• Legal obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect (e.g., child abuse, elder abuse).

Introduction to Anatomy - Key Topics

• Atoms, Molecules, Compounds & Mixtures

• Atoms: Smallest unit of matter (e.g., oxygen).

• Molecules: Two or more atoms bonded together (e.g., H₂O).

• Compounds: Molecules with different elements (e.g., NaCl).

• Mixtures: Combination of substances without chemical bonding (e.g., blood).

• Levels of Organization

• Atoms → Molecules → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Systems → Organism.

• Biomacromolecules

• Carbohydrates: Provide energy (e.g., glucose, starch).

• Lipids: Store energy, form cell membranes (e.g., fats, oils).

• Proteins: Enzymes and muscle structure (e.g., hemoglobin).

• Nucleic Acids: DNA & RNA (genetic material).

• Cell Transport

• Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

• Osmosis: Water movement across a membrane.

• Active Transport: Moves substances using energy (ATP).

• Types of Tissue

• Epithelial: Skin and lining of organs.

• Connective: Blood, bone, cartilage.

• Muscle: Skeletal, cardiac, smooth.

• Nervous: Brain and spinal cord.

• Body Membranes

• Thoracic Cavity: Pleura (for lungs).

• Abdominal Cavity: Peritoneum.

• Cranial Cavity: Meninges (protection for brain).

• Anatomical Directions

• Superior (above), Inferior (below), Anterior (front), Posterior (back).

• Abdominal Quadrants

• LUQ (stomach, spleen), LLQ (intestines), RUQ (liver, gallbladder), RLQ (appendix).

• Spinal Anatomy

• Cervical (neck), Thoracic (upper back), Lumbar (lower back), Sacral (pelvis), Coccygeal (tailbone).