REDUCING THE RISK - WORKPLACE LAYOUT

Is there adequate space for staff and equipment?

Inadequate space is a common problem in bedrooms and bathrooms. Confined spaces result in poor work posture and unsafe lifting.

Maximize available space in multi-bed rooms by providing privacy curtains on movable fittings.

All new buildings should comply with Australian Standard 1428.1-1988 "Design for access and mobility".

Existing facilities should maximise the available space.

Provide sliding doors into confined areas.

Replace doors to shower cubicles with curtains.

Remove unnecessary shower partitions and built-in bench seats in shower annexes.

Provide shelves and hooks for clothes and towels in shower rooms, not chairs and tables.

Convert two cubicles into one, but make sure you keep at least 1 toilet and 1 shower per 8 residents or part thereof.

Are facilities designed to promote resident independence?

Promoting resident independence can reduce the load on staff.

Provide showers and toilets at close proximity to bedrooms.

Provide grab rails, bath seats, toilet seat raisers to help residents to help themselves.

Are the floors slippery or uneven?

Slips and falls can contribute to back injury. There are several ways to reduce the hazard of slippery floors.

Ensure appropriate cleaning and maintenance procedures are used, eg. clean spillages immediately, avoid excessive use of cleaning fluids, machine buff surface to improve nonslip properties.

Ensure appropriate staff footwear, eg. nonslip soles with good grip for wet areas.

Provide non-slip mats in problem areas, eg. at the entrance to the shower room.

Replace existing floor surface, eg. non-slip floor materials suitable for wet areas are Norament 925 and Altro-Safety. Both of these are used in Perth hospitals.

Avoid a step between different floor heights or a "lip" to doorways and shower cubicles. Replace them with a small ramp.

Is appropriate clothing available and used?

Clothing should allow nurses to move freely. Placing one knee on the bed when moving a patient keeps the load close and reduces sideways twisting. Wearing trousers or culottes make this easier.

Shoes should have non-slip soles (rubber not leather) and low heels. This gives a firm base while handling loads. Gumboots may be best in wet areas.

Waterproof aprons should be available in wet areas.

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