Hand, Wrist and Finger Safety in Healthcare Environments

This course provides healthcare professionals with essential knowledge on protecting their hands, wrists, and fingers from common workplace injuries. It covers the complex anatomy of the hand, identifies environmental and ergonomic hazards found in medical facilities, and outlines safe practices for handling tools and patients to ensure long-term physical well-being.

Highlights:

• Anatomy and function of the 27 bones, nerves, and connective tissues in the hand and wrist.
• Identification of traumatic hazards, including pinch points in medical equipment and temperature extremes.
• Safe patient handling techniques designed to minimize wrist strain during repositioning and transfers.
• Needle stick prevention strategies and immediate response protocols for accidental exposures.
• Ergonomic principles, including the importance of neutral wrist positioning and varying repetitive tasks.
• Selection and inspection criteria for hand and power tools to prevent excessive force and vibration-related conditions.
• Guidelines for choosing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) based on biological, chemical, or mechanical risks.

By the end of the course, you will have learned

• How to recognize and mitigate environmental risks such as pinch points in adjustable beds and automated medical machinery.
• The proper technique for rolling and sliding patients using draw sheets to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
• CDC-recommended guidelines for the safe handling and disposal of sharps and needles.
• The difference between power and precision grips and how to apply them correctly to avoid overexertion.
• How to identify early symptoms of ergonomic strain and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
• The specific applications for various glove materials, including nitrile, latex, leather, and cut-resistant mesh.
• Methods for maintaining a “neutral position” to protect the nerves and tendons within the wrist.