Custodians who work in hospitals provide a valuable service to people who are in the hospital and their family members. While they’re doing their job duties, they face considerable hazards.
It’s up to the hospital administration to ensure that these hard workers have safe work conditions. This means providing them with the personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools they need while they work. They also need to have proper protocols for handling the situations they come across while they’re working.
Exposure to contagious diseases
Exposure to contagious diseases is common in hospitals because there are many sick patients in emergency rooms and admitted into the hospital. Proper procedures for hospital employees who come into contact with contagious patients are critical. This can include using signage to warn people of the danger and providing masks, gowns and other PPE.
Slips-and-fall events
Slip-and-fall events are common in hospital settings. It’s common for floors to have bodily fluids and other slick spots. These areas should have clear signs and must be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Heavy and bulky lifting
Custodians often have to do heavy or bulky lifting. Using team lift options or proper lifting techniques can help to prevent these custodians from suffering back and other injuries. It must be clear that proper protocol must be followed when lifting anything.
Injured hospital custodians should ensure they get the medical care they need for their injuries. Workers’ compensation should cover those expenses and may provide some other benefits. Working with a legal representative familiar with these cases may help these workers to get the benefits they’re due.