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

Ergonomics

  • What is ergonomics?

    • Definition: “The scientific study of creating tools and equipment that help the human body adapt to the work environment.”

    • Focus: physical demands on the body and occupational injuries.

    • Common injuries related to ergonomics in the sonography/workplace context: WRMSD (Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders) and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), including MSK (musculoskeletal) and nerve injuries.

    • Most commonly affected areas: shoulder, neck, wrist, back, hands.

  • Reasons for RSI

    • Poor body mechanics: posture and body positioning.

    • Repetition and force.

    • Room/equipment design.

    • Job design.

    • Unhealthy lifestyle.

  • Arm, Shoulder, Elbow Position

    • Minimum arm abduction: \text{Arm abduction} \le 30^{\circ}

    • Use arm support device and/or cable brace as needed.

    • Keep shoulder “out of the ear” (relaxed shoulder).

    • Wrist should be in a neutral position.

  • RSI Prevention

    • Maintain proper body mechanics.

    • Be aware of poor ergonomics and adjust as needed.

    • Adjust equipment to fit your body type.

    • Take mini breaks and stretch regularly.

    • Conditioning and stretching exercises.

    • Keep the patient as close to you as possible to reduce reach.

    • Minimize arm abduction; keep shoulder in a neutral position.

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

  • WHMIS overview

    • A national hazard communication system applicable to worksites that use hazardous materials.

    • Affects all people at the worksites: suppliers, importers, distributors, and workers.

    • Purpose: provide information to employers and workers on safe handling of hazardous products and to prevent harmful exposure.

  • 4 Main Components of WHMIS 2015

    • Identification and classification of hazards

    • Labelling of hazardous products

    • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous products

    • Worker education and training

  • In the sonography department: products to be aware of

    • Transvaginal cleaning solutions

    • Sani-wipes

    • Iodine solutions for procedures

    • Oxygen tanks

Infection Control

  • Why infection control matters

    • Healthcare workers are at high risk for catching diseases and transmitting pathogens.

    • Workers are responsible for preventing the spread of pathogens.

  • Cycle of Infection

    • Reservoir (the place where organisms grow): examples include humans and animals.

    • Exit from reservoir (escape route for organisms).

    • Vehicle of transmission (means by which organisms are carried): examples include hands, equipment (e.g., bedpan), instruments, linens, droplets.

    • Portal of entry (site where organisms enter the body): examples include any break in skin or mucous membranes, mouth, nose, genitourinary tract.

    • Susceptible host (person who cannot fight off the organism and may become ill).

  • Modes of pathogen transmission

    • Contact transmission: direct or indirect.

    • Droplet transmission.

    • Airborne transmission.

  • Common pathogens (examples)

    • MRSA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus — antibiotic-resistant skin infection.

    • VRE: Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus — antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection found in the stool of infected patients.

    • C. Difficile: Clostridium Difficile — spore-forming bacteria that release toxins in the bowel.

    • TB: Tuberculosis — bacterial infection affecting various organs.

  • Disease prevention concepts

    • Medical asepsis: rendering an object/area free of pathogens.

    • Proper disinfection: inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects.

Standard Precautions for Sonographers

  • Hand hygiene

    • Nail hygiene: nails should be short; no nail polish or acrylic nails.

    • Minimal hand jewelry.

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)

    • Use appropriate PPE during procedures and handling of materials.

  • Safe handling practices

    • Handle contaminated equipment or surfaces safely.

    • Cough etiquette.

    • Safe injection practice.

Hand Hygiene Details

  • Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR)

    • Use before and after every patient.

    • After removing gloves.

    • When in contact with contaminated surfaces.

  • Soap and Water

    • Use when hands are visibly soiled.

    • Before handling food.

    • In contact with patients with vomiting or diarrhea.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • PPE includes:

    • Gloves: during every scan.

    • Gown: use for contact precautions.

    • Mask: use for airborne precautions.

    • Eye protection.

    • Hair covers.

    • Shoe covers.

Cleaning Equipment, Disinfection, and Sterilization

  • Cleaning levels

    • Sanitization: soap and water.

    • Disinfection: use germicides, iodine, or cleaning solutions.

    • Sterilization: high-level chemical disinfection for endocavity transducers (examples include Cidex, MetriCide, Revital-Ox RESERT).

  • Endocavity transducers

    • Use non-sterile transducer covers when appropriate.

Non-Sterile Transducer Covers

  • Endocavity ultrasound usage

    • Use sheath/condom-style covers (latex or non-latex).

    • Place gel inside the sheath.

    • Put the sheath on the transducer; apply lubricating gel outside the transducer cover.

Disposal of Contaminated Materials

  • Biohazard waste containers: for material contaminated with blood and body fluids.

  • Garbage bin: for paper products and gloves with ultrasound gel.

  • Sharps bin: for needles.

  • Follow site policies and protocols for disposal.

Week 1 Lab Objectives (Context for Lab Safety)

  • Working in pairs to find answers to questions.

  • Explore around the lab and adjacent hallway.

  • After exploration, discuss findings together.

Lab Hazards (Examples and Risks)

  • Gel bottles: biohazard risk, potential bacterial growth, heat.

  • Gel warmer: electrical hazard, heat, tripping hazard.

  • Transducer: electric shock risk, tangled cords, tripping hazard.

  • Sani-wipes: chemical hazard.

  • Stretchers: ergonomics concern, rails, brakes, tripping hazard.

  • Chairs: ergonomics, tripping hazard.

  • Ultrasound machine: ergonomic concerns, brakes, tripping hazard.

Responding to a Hazard

  • Depending on the hazard:

    • Remove or fix the hazard (e.g., untangle cords, adjust ergonomics, ensure brakes are engaged).

    • Inform the instructor if there are electrical hazards, broken equipment, or safety concerns/incidents.

    • Eyewash station: use if there is splashed sanitizing gel or chemical exposure to the eye.

    • Incident report: document injuries or near misses.

    • Call Campus Security or 911 if needed.

Incident Reports

  • Common sense note: "#1 incident report in labs" often involves fainting or near-fainting events.

  • Practical tip for mornings: don’t skip breakfast.

  • If you feel unwell (lightheaded, woozy): sit down immediately.