Finding Comfort in Safety
Just because you practice in a medical facility doesn't mean you're immune to safety issues. Here are 10 facets of safety that you should know about to protect yourself, your employees and your patients.
By Karen Rodemich, Managing Editor

1. Check and update your alarm systems for theft, entry and fire purposes. This includes strategic placement and periodic checks of fire extinguishers, which is required by law in many states. Attention to this often-neglected part of office management can prevent much suffering, time and money.

2. Designate a first aid area and keep your first aid kit stocked and current. Post first aid information in a prominent place. Program "one button" numbers for fire, police and ambulance into your phone system. Ideally, all staff should be trained in first aid procedures -- especially Heimlich and CPR.

3. Check and update your compliance with all federal and state OSHA-IIPP requirements. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, falls represent the second greatest source of economic loss because of injuries in the USA. More than one-third of individuals over the age of 60 suffer from falls each year. A thorough check of your office to identify such factors as entryways, salted outside walkways in the winter, throw rugs, instrument writing and lighting can save multiple problems for your patients and for yourself. Clearly mark all exits and passages. Keep these areas free of obstacles and debris. Provide adequate lighting, non-slip stair surfaces and handrails.

4. In urban areas, particularly, it's good practice to do a criminal reference check for potential employees who may, in the course of their duties, come in contact with children, the elderly or your practice finances. Doing so will help protect you from patient's suing you for an employee's actions or behaviors as well as protecting you from an employee embezzling from you.

5. Encourage employees who have contagious respiratory illnesses to stay home. Infection of other staff can cause more lost time and revenue than the absence of one staff member.

6. Prepare and draw up emergency response plans for fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding and other emergencies. Train your staff on these plans so they can readily manage patients in such emergencies.

7. Prohibit smoking in your office and on your premises and participate in anti-smoking campaigns. After all, smoking is the leading cause of macular degeneration and other vascular diseases of the eye.

8. Regularly inspect your equipment for functionality and safety. Electrical connections are a particular concern.

9. Attention to ergonomic design, particularly for staff furniture and those working on computers pays dividends in reducing fatigue and irritability.

10. On rare occasions, violent and/or psychotic patients may disrupt your entire office. Don't confront or antagonize such a person -- doing so puts you and others in danger. While difficult, staying clam and placating such persons for the time being is essential. In some cases, an immediate 911 call may be necessary. Once the danger passes, immediately report all threats of violence to the authorities for investigation and for your protection. While office rage may not occur often -- or ever -- in your office, it just makes good sense to have a game plan.

Special thanks to the expert advice given by OM editorial board member Elmer H. Eger, O.D.