As a healthcare worker, you’re already familiar with the importance of practicing proper safety protocols at work. But the COVID-19 pandemic has made following safety guidelines even more critical. Healthcare staff are at a drastically higher risk of contracting the virus, especially if they’re working in high-volume facilities like hospitals or nursing homes. Make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself, your patients, and your loved ones.
Check out these 5 tips for staying safe on the job.
1. Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
This includes gloves, facemasks, goggles, and face shields. You may also be required to wear an N95 respirator, which you’ll need to be fitted for. Make sure to follow your employer’s PPE mandates carefully and consistently.
2. Wash your hands.
Another safety step you’ve likely already been following, hand washing is still as crucial as ever. Scrub with soap and water before and after shifts, meals, bathroom breaks, between PPE changes, or any time they’re soiled.
3. Disinfect your workstation.
Frequently touched supplies, like pens, clipboards, blood pressure cuffs, and stethoscopes should be disinfected regularly. High-touch surfaces, like desks and keyboards, should also be cleaned often.
4. Come home clean.
After your shift, remove all your work gear before returning home. Change into new clothes and shoes, and set aside used scrubs to be washed separately from other laundry. Also, make sure to disinfect your phone and any other electronic devices you brought to work before going inside. Once you’re home, it’s a good idea to shower immediately.
5. Rest when you can.
On your days off, make sure you’re taking the time you need to rest and recharge. Overworked employees are a major safety hazard since burnout often leads to inattention and mistakes at work. Stay on top of your sleep schedule, eat healthy meals, and set aside plenty of time to relax.
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