PATIENT’S
ENVIRONMENT IN THE
HOSPITAL
REDUCTION OF
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
“To expose to danger ,risk, chance of accidents, loss
A hazard is any source of potential
damage, harm or adverse health effects
on something or someone under certain
conditions at work.
"Condition, event, or circumstance that
could lead to or contribute to an
unplanned or undesirable event."
Types of Hazard
Physical
Chemical
Biological
Ergonomics
Physical Hazards
Noise
Vibration
Radiation
Temperature
Pressure,Velocity,Height
Electricity
Physical characteristics
Chemical Hazards
Explosives
Flammable liquids
Oxidizing materials
Toxic, carcinogenic,
substances
Gases and air particulate
Biological Hazards
Biological wastes (blood, fluids, etc.)
Drugs (antibiotics & others)
Viruses, bacteria
Parasites, insects
Poisonous or diseased plants, animals
Ergonomic Hazards
Physical
Environmental
Psycho-Social
Ergonomic Hazards
Physical
Poor work, task design
Repetitive motion
Prolonged sitting
Poor layout
Poor posture
Improper lifting and handling
Ergonomic Hazards
Environmental
Poor lighting,glare
Poor ventilation
Poor temperature control
Poor humidity control
Psycho-social
Work rest cycles
Violence, discrimination
Extraneous stress
Un even work load
Lack of personnel space
Poor inter staff relationships
“A possibility of danger orharm”
What is risk?
Risk is the chance or probability
that a person will be harmed or
experience an adverse health
effect if exposed to a hazard. It
may also apply to situations with
property or equipment loss.
WHAT IS ACCIDENT
AN UNINTENDED, UNPLANNED
EVENT WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL
TO CAUSE HARM OR INJURY.
AN INCIDENT WHICH CAUSES HARM
OR HAS POTENTIAL TO DO SO.
Causes of Accident
Causes
Direct Indirect
Unsafe Act Unsafe Condition
Operating without authority Unguarded or inadequately guarded
machines / equipments
Bypassing safety devices
Defective conditions of m/c’s,
Operating at unsafe speed equipments, tools etc.
Using wrong tool / equipment Unsafe methods of storing, piling etc.
Unsafe Placing Inadequate or incorrect illumination
Unsafe Loading Inadequate Ventilation
Taking unsafe position or posture Improper House Keeping-- things not
Working on dangerous or moving at their proper places
equipment Unsafe design or construction of
machines and equipment etc.
Not using PPE
Horse playing at work place etc.
Fire Prevention.
• Prohibit smoking within the facility, especially
among patients. ..
• Take care with electrical cords and electricity-
powered tools and equipment. ...
• Be cautious in areas where fires could be
more likely. ...
• Make sure alarms and fire suppression
systems are functional. ...
• Fire Safety.
Why should nurses know about environmental health?
1. Environmental factors have an impact on
health:
– cardiovascular/respiratory diseases
– Children’s exposure to lead
– Prenatal exposures
– Heat waves and elderly people
– Women choosing to bottle feed because of
contaminants in breast milk
– Indoor air quality and asthma
– Emergency planning
– Commitment to social justice
Why should nurses know about environmental health?
2. Nurses are very, very good at
teaching about health
• this skill supports work in protecting
individuals, families and communities
from environmental hazards
3. Nurses are the largest professional
group working in health care
• working together we can be a
powerful force for making
improvements in the environment
The role of nurses in environmental
health
• Assess and detect hazards when they exist
• Provide information to individuals and aggregates on the health effects of
environmental toxins and more global hazards
• Report serious environmental threats to appropriate agencies
• Develop and implement school-based and workplace wellness programs
• Aid in the formulation of public policy and legislation involving the
environment
• Help prevent excessive exposure to immediate toxins and larger, global
hazards
• Help facilitate behaviour change in people
International Council of Nurses
Importance of engaging all nurses
• Health of individuals, families, communities and
populations affected by environment
• Every nurse should be able to:
– Consider environmental factors that may be
contributing to poor health
– Understand environmental hazards and their impact
on health
– Perform an environmental assessment
– Understand the role of individuals and communities in
providing good stewardship of the environment
– Make recommendations about how to reduce or
prevent exposures to environmental hazards
