5 Accident Prevention and Environmental Safety

Assess risk before care

Prevention begins by noticing changing risks, following the care plan, and communicating relevant concerns to the care team. Routine activities such as walking, bathing, transferring, and repositioning can present risks to patients, visitors, and staff.

Before care, assess the task and the patient’s ability to participate. Match assistance and equipment to the patient’s needs, and ask for help when the care plan requires it or the task is beyond your ability.

Prevent falls

A patient’s Fall risk may change with illness, weakness, confusion, medications, or unfamiliar surroundings. Follow the individualized care plan and share relevant risks with the team; basic precautions should be combined with a prevention plan tailored to the patient.

Before and during activity

Explain what you will do. Check the patient’s alertness, balance, ability to follow directions, and need for help or assistive equipment. Use the prescribed mobility aid and suitable, well-fitting footwear. Do not leave a patient who needs assistance to walk or transfer alone, and encourage the patient to call for help rather than attempt an unsafe transfer independently.

Prepare the area and finish safely

Place the bed or chair in a stable position and lock its brakes before a transfer. Keep the route clear, provide adequate lighting, and put needed items and the call light within reach. After care, return the patient to a safe, comfortable position; lower the bed when the patient is resting; and ensure that the call light and personal items are accessible.

Handle and transfer patients safely

Lifting, transferring, and repositioning can injure both patients and caregivers. Assess the task and the patient’s ability to participate before beginning. Use available Transfer aids or a Mechanical lift according to training, the care plan, and the manufacturer’s instructions. Get assistance when needed, and do not attempt a transfer alone if it is unsafe.

Explain the steps to the patient and coordinate movements with helpers. For a bed-to-wheelchair transfer, confirm the transfer plan and required assistance, explain the move, position the wheelchair as directed by training, lock its brakes, and use the specified transfer method. If the patient’s condition or ability differs from what was expected, pause and reassess rather than forcing the transfer.

Use equipment safely

Before use, check that equipment appears intact, stable, clean, and appropriate for the task. Check relevant controls, brakes, Cords and tubing, alarms, and accessories as applicable. Use equipment only if you are trained, and follow its instructions and facility procedures. Arrange cords and tubing to avoid pulling, entanglement, or tripping.

If equipment is damaged, malfunctioning, or behaves unexpectedly, stop using it and protect the patient. Label or secure it so others do not use it, then notify the appropriate supervisor or department. Do not use faulty equipment again until it has been assessed and cleared under facility procedure. Report related incidents through facility procedures; serious device-related injuries may also require reporting by the facility, so staff should follow institutional reporting procedures.

Maintain a safe environment

Inspect the patient’s immediate surroundings during routine care. Keep walkways, exits, and access to care equipment clear. Clean or report spills promptly, and use warning signs or barriers while a floor remains wet. Report uneven flooring, loose mats, poor lighting, damaged furniture, and other hazards rather than assuming someone else will address them. Keep temporary cords out of walking routes or secure them as facility procedures direct.

Use cleaning and disinfecting products according to their labels and facility procedures, including the specified Contact time and safe handling. For shared patient-care equipment, follow the facility’s cleaning and disinfection process between patients. Promptly report blood or body-fluid spills and follow the designated cleanup procedure and required protective equipment.

Respond to hazards and incidents

First protect the patient and others from immediate danger. Call for assistance, assess the patient within your role and training, and promptly notify the appropriate clinician or supervisor.

Document and report the event or Near miss as required by policy. Timely reporting helps the care team respond and address hazards. A faulty device should remain out of use until it has been assessed and cleared under facility procedure.