OSHA Long Term Care Worker Protection

Train the Trainer Program

Part 2: Engaging Workers in Health & Safety Education

ObjectivesIdentify specific mechanisms to engage all long

term care workers in workplace safety and health education.

Explore the principles of adult education as they might apply to these educational sessions.

Discuss approaches to increasing the interest and involvement of all LTC workers in this education.

Recognize the potential impact of this education on the individuals, the residents, and the organization.

How much does your staff know about OSHA?

How focused are LTC workers on workplace

health and safety?

Engaging ParticipantsMake it personal – protecting their health and the

health of their families.

This is a powerful motivation for many individuals – we all want to stay healthy!

Protecting the residents from harm, illness.

Many LTC workers become attached and personally concerned about the individuals they care for – this can be a motivation for their learning more!

Adult Education Principles

Adult Education Principles

Want to be treated with respect.

Often learn better by doing – active participation in the learning!

Value repetition and reminders.

Characteristics of Adult Learners

Self-motivated.

Expect immediate application to their work/life.

Want to be actively involved in the education.

CharacteristicsLike to interact with each other and the

instructor.

Learn from the sharing that occurs between participants.

Respond best to use of a variety of teaching approaches.

Set clear expectations!Following health and safety guidelines at work is

not optional.

Individual accountability.

Be certain that all workers know the expectations.

Reinforce with role modeling and clear language.

Let’s discuss what happens even when expectations seem very clear.

When Employees stay safe and healthy:

* better quality of work outcomes (patient outcomes!).

* higher productivity.

* lower worker’s compensation costs.

* fewer injuries/illnesses that require

time off, replacement employees, and overtime.

* reduced medical expenses.

* overall, more satisfied employees.

Impact

Impact

For the individual employee:

* Take home a paycheck.

* Stay healthy.

* Enjoy their work, the residents, and their colleagues.

Major Impact on Resident Care

Ask everyone to find this poster and read it!

The standards are very relevant, for example:

* Hazardous substances, cleaning materials, solutions, etc.

* Personal protective equipment – gloves, gowns, etc.

* Work surfaces – counters, cabinets, etc.

* Walking surfaces – spills on the floors, loose tiles, etc.

* Lifting and moving.

* Fire Protection and Fire Prevention

Connect all of the content to long term care settings.

The safety and health of employees is critical to resident safety and the success of any organization.

Focus of OSHA is helping employers to create and sustain safe and healthy environments and protect employees from hazardous materials and situations.

All workers in long term care settings need to be involved in sustaining a safe and healthy work environment!

Remind all workers:This content applies to their work!

Engaging everyone is not easy.

Careful use of terminology that everyone can understand.

Use of examples from your work setting to emphasize a point/content piece.

Have participants share their examples.

Keep it short, make it fun, use a variety of teaching techniques to keep people interested!

Questions?Suggestions or Comments?