In every workplace there is a Policy and Procedures Manual - the "how to" guides that cover the range of duties performed by employees. When you need to know how to do something, or find out the guidelines for undertaking a particular task, you’ll find the information you need in the policies and procedures manual.
For workplaces to remain registered or licensed they need to have this documentation easily accessible to all staff.
Policies and procedures are developed for a few reasons;
If, after checking the policies and procedures, you are still unsure about something - ask your supervisor for clear instructions.
If you find there is a task, method or way of doing things that is different to that in the manual, or that the information in the manual is outdated, ensure that you write this information down and give it to the appropriate person so the policy and/or procedures may be updated. After all, if you have identified it as an issue there will be other people it also will affect.
Let’s look at three areas of policy and procedure that anyone working in a health care environment would need to know. The following activities will test your knowledge - have fun!
Back injuries from lifting objects were once very common in workplaces, and there is a risk in any health care workplace because you will often have to lift objects and sometimes clients.
For this reason, most facilities have instigated staff training programs on correct lifting and handling procedures and wherever possible they use mechanical lifting equipment to avoid injury to staff.
Sunset Bay has a no lifting policy for any lifts that are over 20 kilograms in weight, or of an unwieldy nature. We also encourage employees to know their own limits and will support an individual’s decision to not lift an item that they feel is too heavy or awkward.
The best way to protect your back from injury when lifting is to use a manual handling procedure that uses the strength of your whole body to carry the load, rather than putting all the strain on your back.
Lifting a heavy object can strain your back and knees. There are 10 safe steps to follow when you have to lift a heavy object. Click on each of the steps below to view a demonstration of it.
If you would like to learn more about manual handling, and how to protect yourself from injury, check out this information on the National OHS Commission’s website.
All workplaces have the potential to cause injury or an accident. Every employee has a responsibility towards their colleagues and clients to be alert and look out for hazards in the workplace. More importantly, you need to know what action to take when you do spot a hazard. Click the boxes below to see a simple procedure that you can use:
In this activity you’ll see some examples of workplace hazards. Read the information provided, then decide what action you will take from the options presented. If you need to do some revision on OHS hazards, please check the Sunset Bay Policies and Procedures Manual.
Fire is one of the most dangerous emergency situations, with the potential to cause serious damage and injury. If a fire broke out at Sunset Bay, would you know what to do? Check the emergency procedures policy, and then choose the correct steps from the list below, in the correct order, to deal with this emergency situation. You have twenty seconds - good luck!
Remember, if you need to review any of the policies and procedures at Sunset Bay, you’ll find them all in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
