March 4, 2005

Committed to keeping MGHers safe in the workplace

In a busy hospital environment like the MGH, accidents that cause injuries to employees can happen. Last year, 86 employees reported injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls in the hospital. While this number is relatively low compared to the number of employees at the hospital, the MGH is looking for ways to reduce this number and to encourage injured employees to visit Occupational Health Services.

The hospital hopes to accomplish this through the creation of a new Worker Health and Safety Advisory Committee. This group is focused on promoting a safe, healthy and comfortable workplace for MGH employees and reducing worker injury. Co-chaired by Dawn Tenney, RN, associate chief nurse for MGH Perioperative Nursing, and Susan Loomis, NP, director of MGH Occupational Health, the committee includes representatives from Building and Grounds, Materials Management, Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Real Estate and Planning, Respiratory Therapy and the Safety Office.

Since the committee was established, two meetings have been held to discuss the hospital's injury data and to determine which areas of safety the committee will focus on. MGHers are encouraged to contact Tenney or Loomis with suggestions of topics the committee should consider.

The committee also has created some simple steps to help prevent employees from falls both indoors and outdoors:

• Wear shoes with good traction. Avoid high heels and leather-soled shoes on ice.
• Use handrails on stairways and when entering or exiting the shuttles.
• Be aware of wet or waxed floors.
• Watch for loose cords around computers and equipment.
• Call Environmental Services at (617) 726-2445 or Buildings and Grounds at (617) 726-2422 to report any spills on floors.
• If any employee falls, he or she notify a supervisor immediately, fill out an incident report and visit Occupational Health, located at 100 Charles River Plaza, fourth floor.