Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training Program in Healthcare

• Instructor: ProjectX
• Lectures: 5
• Duration: 5 days

📚 Course Objective

By the end of this 5-day course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles and importance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in healthcare settings.
2. Learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards specific to healthcare.
3. Develop strategies for infection control, workplace ergonomics, and hazardous materials management.
4. Master compliance with healthcare safety regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, WHO guidelines).
5. Apply safety protocols to create a safe and healthy environment for healthcare workers and patients.

🛠️ Teaching Methods

• Interactive Lectures: Explore healthcare safety principles and compliance standards.
• Workshops: Hands-on exercises in hazard identification and control measures.
• Case Studies: Analyze real-world healthcare safety incidents.
• Role-Play: Simulate emergency response and safety drills.
• Group Projects: Develop and present a healthcare-specific OHS plan.

📑 Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety in Healthcare

• Overview of occupational health and safety principles.
• Common hazards in healthcare settings (biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial).
• Regulatory standards: OSHA, WHO, ISO 45001.
• Legal responsibilities and workers’ rights in healthcare safety.
• Workshop: Identify common hazards in a healthcare workplace scenario.

Day 2: Infection Control and Biological Hazards

• Infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols.
• Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Managing biological hazards: Bloodborne pathogens, airborne diseases.
• Safe handling and disposal of medical waste.
• Role-Play: Simulate infection control scenarios in a healthcare environment.

Day 3: Chemical and Hazardous Material Management

• Safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Spill management and emergency response.
• Fire safety and evacuation plans.
• Workshop: Create a hazardous materials management plan.

Day 4: Ergonomics and Workplace Safety

• Importance of workplace ergonomics in preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
• Safe patient handling and mobility assistance.
• Workplace stress and mental health support for healthcare workers.
• Developing a culture of safety in healthcare teams.
• Activity: Conduct an ergonomic risk assessment in a sample scenario.

Day 5: Emergency Preparedness and Safety Audits

• Emergency response planning for healthcare facilities.
• Conducting safety drills and simulations.
• Auditing and monitoring OHS performance.
• Continuous improvement and feedback mechanisms.
• Group Project: Develop and present a comprehensive OHS plan for a healthcare facility.

📝 Evaluation Criteria:

• Participation in discussions and activities: 20%
• Workshop and activity outcomes: 30%
• Final OHS project presentation: 50%

🎯 Target Audience:

• Healthcare Administrators and Managers
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Professionals
• Infection Control Specialists
• Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Staff
• Facility and Maintenance Supervisors
• Compliance and Regulatory Officers

🛡️ Key Takeaways:

• Proficiency in identifying and mitigating healthcare-specific hazards.
• Practical knowledge of infection control protocols and chemical safety measures.
• Enhanced skills in emergency preparedness and workplace ergonomics.
• Compliance with international safety standards (OSHA, WHO, ISO 45001).
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor an effective OHS plan in healthcare.