what are USP preventable workplace hazards:
The degree of danger that pharmacy workers are subject to depends on the kind of pharmacy they work in and its location. Pharmacists can be employed in community-, retail-, and hospital-based pharmacies, among others. Each of these workplace settings brings different hazards that need to be addressed to prevent harm.
1. Biological Hazards
Contact with patients and the public exposes pharmacy staff to biological hazards, as will contaminants found in food, water, and the ventilation system. The immunization of workers provides a first line of defense when interacting with patients.
Other measures should also be put into place, including the restriction of access to authorized personnel only, implementation of safe work procedures, and use of personal protective equipment, such as eye protection, gloves, and respiratory protection.
Care should not only be exercised on the medication contained within a pharmacy; the building itself should also be given attention, particularly the ventilation system. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of contamination.
The improved SOPs and the accent on occupants’ safety have been the stepping stone for the new UPS 800 guideline.
2. Chemical Hazards
Compounding pharmacies make drugs for patients whose medication needs can’t be met by commercially available drugs. Interacting with different kinds of chemicals puts pharmacists at risk, but there are measures that can be put in place to ensure their safety.
Education is crucial, and so are limiting the exposure time and ensuring the safe disposal of substances. Pharmacies should have safe work procedures in place in case of spills and any other mishaps that involve harmful substances. In addition, pharmacists working with the chemicals should wear the proper protective clothing and gear, including eye protection, face shields, gowns, and gloves.
Along with proper gowning and the improved minimal requirements of the personal protective equipment will surely make the employee safety significantly better.
3. Ergonomic Hazards
A pharmacy workplace setting should enable workers to move freely and with ease. Additionally, equipment needed for the job, such as computers, should be adjusted accordingly. Providing seating options and designing shelves to make access to medications easier also can improve the health and safety of pharmacists.
Pharmacists rely on computers to do their job, therefore adjustments should be made to make them user-friendly. For instance, screen brightness should be adjusted so it doesn’t hurt the eyes. Plus, where and how it is accessed should also be considered.
Materials that are non-slippery should be used on the floors to avoid slips, trips, and falls. Adequate lighting—but not glaring—should be provided for improved depth perception.
Improving operational ergonomics is definitely beneficial to all pharmacy personnel as it assures fewer spills, slips, and breaks that will result in direct exposure to hazardous materials.
Pharmacists can also be subject to abuse by clients or fellow co-workers. Workers should be educated about violence awareness and avoidance, and know procedures for de-escalation. Management should also address troubles promptly.
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As soon as you indicated that pharmacists need comfortable devices to handle medications properly, I got a bit curious. This is because my local physician seems concerned about the excess amount of drugs in his clinic at the moment. His only option is to let a security company assist him instantly.