7 Things Health Care Workers Can Do to Stay Safe amid COVID-19

In these trying times, when the pandemic is spreading exponentially, there are numerous lives at risk. The first line of defence against the virus is the health care workers who are working round the clock to ensure that all the affected patients receive the proper treatment and care needed to help them fully recover. Doctors are attending the patients closely and possess the highest risk of catching the virus. Alongside them are the nurses that directly work with the doctors. Other professionals like service providers and helpers who assist in transportation or checking the inventory of appropriate medicines and equipment, and lab workers who are diligently working to find a vaccine for the virus, are also under threat of getting infected.

In the wake of the outbreak, all kinds of health care professionals are themselves at risk of getting infected. To minimize this risk, and possibly prevent it altogether, there are a few vital safety measures that can be implemented at hospitals and isolation centres. These measures can help ensure workplace safety for all the health care professionals

·         Spreading awareness

All the workers must be made aware of the nature of the infection and the best possible ways to avoid being at risk. Refresher trainings can be conducted to help the workers gain more information about Infection Prevention and Control, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

·         Ensuring the availability of resources

All the safety equipment and supplies such as gloves, masks, eye gear, protective gowns, hand sanitizers, and cleaning supplies must be readily available in sufficient quantity at each of the centres. Stocks of required medicines must be kept under check at all times.

·         Ensuring personal safety

Professionals must follow the provided protocols to assess, test, and treat the patients, and also to ensure personal safety while attending a patient or carrying out tests. They must be advised on self-assessment, reporting of any visible symptoms, or reporting any incidents such as coming in contact with a patient.

·         Maintaining hygiene

Cleaning staff must be available at all time on the site, and floors must be wiped at regular intervals with floor cleaners. Places that are touched the most like door handles, tables, medical equipment, must be cleaned with an effective disinfectant at regular intervals.

All the PPE’s like masks, gloves, and protective gowns must only be used once and must be disposed of safely, in a way that they do not come in contact with any person.

·         Taking care of mental health

Engaging in recreational activities or physical workout, at home, can prove to be a relief from stress and mental fatigue. Workers must take breaks at planned interval and engage in some recreational activities at work like reading, listening to music, a routine of stretching, or meditating. Talking to colleagues and friends at work should also be practiced.

·         Involvement of the Management

Hospital management must pay attention to the needs of the professional. This includes physical and mental needs. In case of unavailability of personal transport, the management can provide the professionals with safe transport to and from work.

Keeping healthy snacks and juices available at workplace can help the workers stay fresh and energized throughout the day. On the same note, management should encourage the staff to take enough breaks during the day, and also try to maintain a balance between their professional and personal lives.

Management should take care of workers' compensation as well. Those who are unable to come to work due to any reasons, including any illness, must not be forced to take a pay cut.  

·         Creating a Positive Environment

Workers can try to create a healthy and positive environment at workplace by encouraging each other and providing support wherever required. Incorporating informative activities at work can also be a good way to spread information and awareness among the patients as well as the workers. This could aid workers’ mental health and morale. This in turn can help them to work with the patients and help pass on the positivity among them.

COVID-19 has affected the majority of the world population. But the health care workers are the first responders to the pandemic and need to be protected in all possible ways.