[MCOH-EH] [External] cast, knee scooters and foot boots

[Hodgson, Michael - OSHA]

The VHA has had to deal with the wheelchair issue, for all of the obvious reasons, even just for patient care  Speed regulation, voluntary, was one element.  Most facilities now have emergency escape chairs - even we, in a Federal agency, have them at stairwells

Michael Hodgson

________________________________
On: 16 December 2016 09:56, "Sampson, Deborah" <Deborah.Sampson at snhhs.org> wrote:
We have formerly prevented anyone on a scooter or crutches to come to work because of concerns with safety (theirs and others) as well as concerns about the person with such a device being unable to respond quickly for evacuation in case of disaster or fire.

Recently our employment/labor attorney encouraged us to think again about a 'blanket' policy in these case because of concerns about violating ADA precepts. So now we will be evaluating on a case by case basis and it will be EHS decision-first based on job description work requirements and secondly larger safety issues.

My opinion is that anyone on a scooter or crutches cannot evacuation a building using stairs in a safe, rapid manner that will not put others (and self) at risk. I also do not see us clearing scooters and crutches for use in a patient care area-too busy and architecturally not able to accommodate the use of devices safely.

We do allow closed toe surgical boots but not for direct patient care or transport (too much risk of hurting foot since these items are soft). Closed toe cam boots are OK in some situations-open toe in others. Our patient accounts personnel are OK using cams for example.

And working from home can be problematic for these folks because they would still be 'covered' by workers comp laws in our state mandate that we cover these home-working employees for injuries incurred in the home during their work hours.

Hand devices (splints/wraps/sutured areas) cannot be used for areas where hand hygiene is critical to prevent contamination from/to patients or contaminated items.

Deborah A. Sampson, PhD, APRN, COHN-S, FAANP
Director
Employee Health and Wellness Services
Southern New Hampshire Health   P.O.Box 2014   8 Prospect Street   Nashua, NH 03060
p(603) 281-8583  f (603) 577-5665
deborah.sampson at snhhealth.org<mailto:deborah.sampson at snhhealth.org>

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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Darlene Sims
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 1:48 PM
To: 'mcoh-eh at mylist.net'
Subject: [External] [MCOH-EH] cast, knee scooters and foot boots

I am curious as to the policies of other healthcare organizations/systems in regards to allowing staff to work or not work with devices such as, but not limited to, the following:
Casts
Splints (Velcro wrist, finger splints, etc...)
Knee Scooters
Foot boots
Slings

We are considering changing or amending our policy to touch on these situations. As of now, we allow closed toe boots in clinical areas and open toe in others. The others are currently not allowed in any areas for various reasons. Our organization consist of 4 hospitals and several physician offices. The above situations are reviewed on a case by case scenario when worker's comp is involved.


Thank You,

Darlene Sims MSN,FNP-C
Director of Infirmary Employee Health
Locations at MIMC, Thomas Hospital ,NBI &ACH
185 Mobile Infirmary Blvd
Mobile, Al 36607
MIMC office (251)435-5957 fax (251)435-3067
Thomas Hospital (251)279-1605 fax (251)279-1606
NBI (251)937-5521 ext 1860
ACH (251)368-6314
darlene.sims at infirmaryhealth.org<mailto:darlene.sims at infirmaryhealth.org>

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