AOHP 2015 National Conference

Topic Overview: Needle stick injuries from various sources are a significant problem in healthcare institutions. These needle stick injuries have various causes, including improper use of devices, incorrect suturing and poorly equipped procedure trays. These problems are compounded by the lack of compliance from the healthcare worker, improper reporting and inappropriate treatment of needle stick injuries. Employers can reduce the incidence of exposure from needle sticks. This presentation will discuss means to reduce the incidence of needle sticks, the latest treatment of needle stick injuries, effective monitoring and improved staff education on needle stick injuries. A case-based educational approach will be used to emphasize the key concepts. Some of the innovations from the Sinai Health System will be presented. 

 Objectives:

1. Describe the incidence of needle stick injuries.
2. Explain the techniques to reduce needle stick injuries.
3. Review proper suture procedure.
4. Discuss the proper treatment of needle stick injuries. 

Topic Overview: From Blackberries to iPads to Windows-based tablets, mobile technology is an ever more common feature in America’s homes and offices. We see them everywhere, from planes to trains to preschool classrooms. In our modern world, the quest for interconnectedness through mobile technology is at an all-time high, but at what personal price? Texting thumb? iPad neck? Cell phone shoulder? Instant communication by text message, whether through iPhones, iPads, Xboxes or laptops, has changed our culture and expectations while creating a civilization that screams iHurt! This session will discuss the ergonomics around the use of modern technology to avoid the personal toll that technology takes on our body. 

Objectives:

1. Describe the toll technology takes on the human body and the trade- offs from technology use.
2. Describe hearing concerns from iPods and earbuds, as well as dangers of excessive sitting.
3. Discuss focus issues, compulsive checking of devices and addiction to technology.

Topic Overview: Violence in the Workplace. We hear about it every once in a while, yet it seems like it's happening more often. And, for every incident that we hear or read about in the news, many other smaller incidents occur across the country each day that we don't hear about. Employers have both legal and ethical responsibilities to maintain a safe work environment – for the patients, but also for the staff. Well over half of the employers in this country have no program or policy addressing workplace violence, and among those who have a policy, less than half address domestic violence. Workplace violence probably wouldn't or couldn't happen at your healthcare facility - right? Or could it? Workplace violence has remained among the top four causes of death at work for over 15 years, and it impacts thousands of workers and their families annually. Employers can be held liable for workplace violence when it can be shown that there was negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent security and/or inadequate safeguards to provide a “safe and healthful workplace.” As an occupational health professional, how can you help to minimize the potential for violence in employees?

Hospitals may face liability for workplace violence events. You want to be prepared! OSHA has issued the Compliance Directive “Enforcement Procedures for Investigating or Inspecting Incidents of Workplace Violence.” This comprehensive seminar will explore the statistics, the legal issues surrounding employment practices and what OSHA is doing to try to make your workplace safer for employees.

Objectives:

1. Review the comprehensive list of best practices outlined in OSHA’s Compliance Directive C PL 02-01-052 for Investigating Reports of Violence in the Workplace.
2. Explain the importance of quality screening of potential employees by Human Resources to minimize future violent incidents.
3. Demonstrate the importance of supervisory training for a frontline awareness of personality changes in employees which may predict violent behaviors.
4. Discuss how to initiate legal strategies to address issues of disruptive behavior at any level, including a workable process to address disruptive behavior among staff members.

Topic Overview: 

Occupational health plays a pivotal role in the ongoing safety of the work environment.  As members of the management team, it is essential for occupational health professionals to know and understand the potential changes in the regulatory environment caused by the passage of newly introduced legislation. This session will review the pertinent and germane bills introduced in the first session of the 114th Congress and give insights into the reasons behind the issues. We will examine the bills which have passed and the bills which have been introduced – both shed light on where we are heading in the ever-changing – and evolving – regulatory arena of occupational health.

We will also review new initiatives presented by various federal agencies. Since 2008, OSHA has once again become an enforcement agency and, in its fall 2014 regulatory agenda, OSHA has included initiatives for a new infectious disease standard and regulations which may result in changes to the Recordkeeping Standard. This section of the legislative review will discuss the proposed regulations introduced by the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services and give details of the potential outcomes and impacts on occupational health professionals.

Objectives:

1. Identify which new legislation introduced into the 114th Congress may impact occupational health.
2. Describe the issues behind newly introduced legislation and the potential for passage.
3. Identify strategies to address departmental changes brought on by the newly introduced legislation.
4. Review OSHA’s and HHS's upcoming regulatory agenda for 2015 andinitiatives which may impact the Occupational Health Department.