Safety lessons logged

General Article
February 19, 2004

Environmental Health and Safety posts OSHA's record of the center's work-related injuries and illnesses for 2003

By JUDITH DAVIES

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) log of every recordable work-related injury or illness at Fred Hutchinson in 2003 is now posted on safety bulletins through the center, as required by Washington state record-keeping regulations. Recordable means the injury or illness is new for the year, work-related and meets one or more of the general recording criteria as described in the rule.

General recording criteria include days away from work, restricted duty, and medical treatment beyond first aid, death or loss of consciousness.

The log shows a total of 44 recordable injuries and illnesses in 2003. Of these, eight incidences resulted in time away from work and 11 resulted in job restrictions. The most common injuries/illnesses resulted from repetitive motion (14) and cuts or lacerations (10). Other injuries/illnesses resulted from improper lifting (5), slips and falls (5), being struck by or against objects (4), awkward posture (3), radiation or chemical exposures (2), and allergic reactions (1).

So what can we learn from these occurrences?

• If your work involves repetitive tasks, take frequent breaks and do some stretching exercises.
• Ensure your workstation is set up properly to reduce injuries resulting from awkward postures.
• Use the appropriate personal protective equipment for your job.
• If something seems too heavy to lift alone, ask for help.
• Increase awareness of your surroundings and don't rush your work.

For additional information on injuries and illnesses at the center, please contact EH&S at 206-667-4866 or attend one of the bimonthly Health & Safety Committee (HSC) meetings.

[Judith Davies is senior occupational health nurse in Environmental Health and Safety.]

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