Health and Safety Update

Over the past several months the Health & Safety Division of the MNA has been working closely with bargaining unit and hospital administration on environmental issues affecting the workplace. CWN 7-8-9 are experiencing moisture buildup in bathrooms causing odors, mold and other environmental issues. Because of the involvement of the B&W Health and Safety Committee facilitated by CWN Nurse Manager and Judith Racowsky, RN, CWN MNA, an immediate visit was scheduled for July 26, 2007 by the Vice President of Patient Services and Engineering to correct the most immediate problems.

A recent event on 3BC MICU involving the administration of inhalation ribavirin treatment required the assistance of the Health and Safety Committee. The infrequent use of this treatment strained the delivery system which created multiple nursing and system challenges. A meeting is scheduled in August to determine the direction of this treatment in the future.

A few months ago CDIC experienced an air quality issue after the Wednesday morning generator check. Four nurses required an ED visit with one nurse unable to work the remainder of her shift. The engineering department completed air quality measurements for humidity as well as the flow of the system. HEPA filters continued to be maintained and plans for custom shelves will be installed to house the filters. Occupational Health (OH) did a follow up visit to reassess the safety of the environment and monitored the health of the nurses. Engineering double checked the operation of the system before the department opened the following Monday morning.

Nurses who experience the need to be seen by OH are encouraged to utilize the standard handwritten employee incident reports which are available on your units and in OH.. OH cannot trend issues if the incident is not reported to anyone. Remember – if it isn’t documented it didn’t happen or no data no problem!

To learn how you can help identify and correct potential safety hazards at work, see the box on this page which explains how you can report problems that need to be addressed.

Staying Safe at Work Requires Prompt Reporting of Concerns

As you know, the MNA supports a safe work environment for nurses. A review of the communication tools currently in use regarding emergency adverse events, work safety and environmental concerns has revealed the need for nurses to remain alert to environmental changes within the hospital. The consistent reporting to the appropriate department will facilitate a healthy and safe work environment to the benefit of all. Poor indoor air quality caused by construction projects, routine building maintenance and climate control problems may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, allergic reactions and exacerbation of respiratory conditions.

Prompt recognition and reporting of the conditions that can lead to adverse health effects allows for changes in scheduling, product selection and other factors such as adjustments to the ventilation system which will prevent continuing exposures. If you have any of the above concerns inform your nurse manager and call Occupational Health Service (OHS).

Air Quality Beeper 15000 -- call in the event of unusual odors e.g. floor cleaning agents, sewer, oil, diesel, or other construction related odors
OHS - 617.732.8501 M-F 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
OHS On-call NP beeper - 34414 after hours including weekends nights and holidays
MNA committee phone numbers are located on the MNA bulletin boards.
MNA Health and Safety Rep - Mary Anne Dillon RN (3BC) 2-7780