Contaminants on the Floor
According to OSHA, contaminants on the floor are the leading cause of STF accidents in healthcare facilities. Water, grease, and other fluids can make walking surfaces slippery. Well-documented housekeeping procedures, correct floor cleaning, proper usage of mats and signs, accessible clean-up materials, and slip-resistant shoes will help to minimize the risk of slipping.
Where Does the Hazard Occur?
- Food services areas: kitchen, cafeteria, serving line, buffet, ice machines, freezers, dishwashers, sinks, and drains
- Decontamination area: when wet equipment is transferred from one area to another
- Soap dispensers
- Drinking fountains
- Building entrances, where rain and snow are tracked inside
Prevention Strategies
To prevent injuries, you should provide and maintain a written housekeeping program. This can help ensure the quality and consistency of housekeeping procedures. A copy of the housekeeping program should be provided to all employees and they should know where to find additional copies.
The program should describe the following things:
- how to immediately contact the housekeeping department
- where and how cleaning materials and products are stored
- when to use wet floor signs and barriers and where signs are stored
- when specific areas of the healthcare facility need to be cleaned
- what cleaning methods are appropriate for different areas and surfaces
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. According to OSHA, what are the leading causes of STF accidents in healthcare facilities?
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