Practices for Environmental Safety and Awareness
Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and sometimes without warning. As part of maintaining health, safety, and well-being is providing training support to the individuals you serve so that they are prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster.
What is Environmental Emergency?
This is a Disaster or an Accident that may cause damage to people or property. In Example: Fire, Flood, Earthquake, or Chemical Spill.
What do you need to know about Environmental Safety?
This is the practice of doing this correctly in order to have an environment that is free of danger.
The importance of Training Safety Awareness
DSP, Direct Support Professionals can prevent injury and increase safety for each environment.
Here is the list to reduce injuries and death:
Learning to respond quickly when injuries occur
Doing the training and things in a right way
Maintaining a safe environment
Practices that Reduce the Risk of Injury
Know first aid
Know CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Know and practice the principles of risk management
Keep medications and dangerous substances in locked cabinets or containers
Have good lighting
Provide enough space for people to move around freely and without clutter
Remove any tripping hazards
Practice proper body mechanics when lifting
Assist with proper wheelchair handling
Share information about hazards
Know and practice emergency response plans
Limit distractions, including texting and cell phone use, while working
Focus on the individuals you support and what is happening in the environment
Image Sources:
https://nationaleczema.org/emergency-prep/
https://www.themightyearth.com/environmental-health-and-safety/
