North Star Safety Group’s Post

Does your Business need a Medical Alert System? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2018. With 261 working days per year, that’s an average of approximately 10,728 injuries and illnesses per workday. Clearly, workplace injuries are a significant reality. In the context of medical emergencies at work, it’s essential not only to acknowledge this risk but also to implement practical, proactive safety measures. Ensuring employee well-being requires planning, and a tailored approach to emergency response is critical. The BluePoint® Alert Solution offers customizable emergency response systems to meet the unique needs of your business. Whether you operate a small office or a large industrial campus, BluePoint’s medical alert system can be tailored to provide optimal protection. This personalized approach addresses specific safety requirements and strengthens your commitment to employee well-being, fostering a safer, more secure workplace. To learn more, please visit the BluePoint Alert website: https://lnkd.in/e977-xQi  

Flexible Working with a Trusting Employer I woke up this morning with an excruciating pain in my right quadriceps—a nagging issue that had been my uninvited companion for nearly two weeks. Recognizing that medical attention was overdue, I decided it was time for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, my local GP wasn’t available for the next two weeks, so I packed my MacBook and company phone and headed to my local A&E, fully prepared for what I assumed would be a long and uneventful wait. To my surprise, my A&E experience turned out to be far more efficient than expected. After an initial consultation with the triage nurse, I was referred to the emergency GP. Just a couple hours later, the GP receptionist found me working in the cafeteria. Dr. Richard, the emergency GP, was both professional and approachable. He quickly diagnosed my condition as Meralgia Paraesthetica (a name so fancy it sounds like it belongs on a Michelin-starred menu) and prescribed a cocktail of medication to sort me out. I’m incredibly grateful to work for an employer that values flexibility and trust. When I informed my team manager of the situation, his first response was supportive: “Ouch! Stretch, get it sorted.” However, I had a pending presentation to prepare for, and thanks to the beauty of modern technology—and the luxury of the hospital cafeteria—I was able to connect to my company's network via mobile tethering and VPN. Productivity: 1, Unforeseen Circumstances: 0. This flexibility not only allows me to address life’s unexpected curveballs but also keeps me on track with my work. Best of all, it ensures my evenings remain sacred family time, rather than being sacrificed to the altar of deadlines. Working for an organization that values trust, flexibility, and the occasional stretch (pun intended) is truly a privilege. Nebula Consulting #nebulaconsulting

As wildfires continue to affect our communities, it's a good time to review safety measures and how they intersect with employee benefits. Here are a few reminders to help keep your employees and their families safe: 🌫 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Check air quality reports regularly and encourage employees to limit outdoor activities when air quality is poor. Providing masks 😷 or air purifiers can also make a difference. 🏡 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Remind employees to have emergency plans in place both at home and at work. This includes identifying evacuation routes, assembling emergency kits, and having a communication plan for loved ones. 📁 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Ensure employees know the importance of keeping critical documents (insurance policies, IDs, etc.) and essential possessions easily accessible in case of a quick evacuation. 📞𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Highlight available resources in your benefits package, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which can provide counseling or support for displaced employees, or telehealth options for health concerns exacerbated by poor air quality. 🏢 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: For those in affected areas, review workplace emergency procedures and consider offering flexibility like remote work or adjusted schedules to prioritize safety. Proactive planning and communication can make all the difference in a crisis. If you're looking for ways to align your benefits with emergency preparedness, feel free to reach out. We're here to help ensure your team is supported during challenging times. Safe stay and sending best thoughts to those impacted and devastated by the fires 🙏

Remote work has reshaped the workplace—but has it reshaped how we prioritize health and safety? Let’s talk about the changes and challenges. Share us your thoughts!

As the saying goes failing to plan is planning to fail.

Knowing What to Do in an Emergency When dealing with workplace safety, most of the focus is given to preventing injuries and incidents. While being proactive in preventing negative events from occurring is critical to an effective safety program, time also needs to be spent discussing what to do in different emergency situations if one does occur. No one wants to think of something bad happening at work, but when it does occur, you need to be prepared for it. Emergency Situations in the Workplace There are many different kinds of emergency situations that can occur in a workplace. Depending on factors such as the work being performed, workplace setup, the geographical area the business is located in, etc., will impact what kind of emergencies could occur. Some common types of emergency situations that should be considered when discussing emergency response: Medical emergencies such as heart attack or stroke Caught-in or between moving equipment Electrical-related incidents Fires Weather-related disasters Emergency Response Obviously, every type of emergency will have a different response, and even the same types of emergencies may have completely different responses depending on the situation. Some things to consider when discussing emergency response in the workplace: Before helping a victim of an incident or before assisting in an emergency, always ensure it is safe for you to do so. Sometimes the best plan is just to get to safety. An event such as a failed confined space rescue resulting in multiple fatalities is an example of making a bad situation worse by trying to help. Do not overreact. Rushing or making poor choices when dealing with an emergency can result in more victims or create a worse situation in general. Understand your company’s policies and procedures regarding specific weather emergencies such as a tornado or flood. Know where emergency meeting points are at your worksite. Also, be familiar with the address of where you’re at on a jobsite or for your workplace. If you have to call 911, one of the first questions they ask is- “Where are you located?”. Know where emergency response equipment is located onsite and how to use it. Also, be familiar with emergency shutoff switches on equipment or machinery. Know the signs and symptoms of common medical emergencies or medical emergencies that can occur in your workplace. Knowing what to look for can make the difference in whether someone gets the medical attention they need or not. Summary Knowing what to do in an emergency is just as important as knowing how to prevent them from happening in the first place. All too often, bad situations are made worse when individuals are ill-prepared for the bad things that can happen- whether that is at work or home. Take company policies and procedures regarding emergency response seriously. Keeping calm and knowing how to respond to an emergency may save your life or those around you one day. #safety, #First, #Talk

Safety plays a crucial role in an individual's ability to thrive within an organization. Use the link below find out why SafeZone has revolutionized the industry as a... 🛡️ beacon of proactive safety enhancement 🧑⚕️ empowering healthcare tool to enhance situational awareness 📲 safeguard to avert crises before they arise 🔒 culture catalyst to ensure all staff not only is safe, but feels safe 🔋 resource optimizer so organizations can do more with less https://lnkd.in/gyWF_KQF #SafeZone #HealthcareSafety #HealthcareSecurity #WorkplaceViolence #NurseSafety #SafetyEverywhere

In a recent #RiyadhDaily article, Dr. Shane Stockil, Medical Manager at International SOS – Al Rushaid JV, writes about the value of having the right advice when considering the health planning of Saudi Arabia's giga-projects. "In the early stages of a project, our consultants focus on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the project's scope and objectives to better identify and address potential health and safety challenges. During the project’s construction phase, they continue to assist organisations by offering a wide range of insight, instruments and approaches to promote and enhance employee health, wellbeing and productivity. The key here is to support business continuity by providing timely and quality medical care to employees, thereby increasing their efficiency while minimising downtime" With a focus on preventive care, occupational health, and workforce mental health, we are dedicated to enhancing workplace wellbeing in KSA's booming economy. Read the article here: https://okt.to/jh63NX #HealthcareExcellence #InternationalSOSAlRushaid #KSAVision2030"

Discover the vital role of AEDs and bleed kits in workplace safety and learn why these essential tools are crucial for emergency preparedness.

#Effective orientation isn't just a procedural step, it's a patient life-saving strategy !! Poor orientation is like sending a soldier into battle without training—ill-equipped, anxious and destined to struggle. We can't afford to make these mistakes when it comes to our healthcare heroes.   Here are a few things to consider: - #Pre-Arrival Preparation: Before the new team joins ensure that current staffing levels are sufficient to maintain patient care standards until the new hire is fully integrated. #Empowering and envisioning Introductions: Introduce the new hire to the team via email or internal communication channels sharing a bit about their background and the role they will be filling. Tour of Facility: Conduct a tour of the facility including key areas such as the break room, restrooms, emergency exits and the employee's work area. Culture as Immersion: Explain the organization's mission, vision and core values. Discuss how these principles guide daily operations and decision-making, ensuring the new hire understands the cultural foundation of the organization. HR and Compliance Briefing: Cover HR policies, procedures and benefits and include mandatory compliance training on topics like patient confidentiality, infection control, client experience and workplace safety. #Role-Specific training Workstation Ready: Ensure their workstation is set up with all necessary equipment. Role specific: Provide training tailored to the employee’s role. This may include learning about specific protocols and familiarizing themselves with the equipment and technology used in their role. Electronic Health Records (EHR) Training: If applicable provide thorough training on the EHR system including data entry, patient management and privacy protocols. Clinical Competencies: Assess and document clinical skills and competencies if the employee is in a clinical role. Provide additional training if necessary. #Mentorship and Integration Assign a Mentor: Pair the new employee with a seasoned staff member who can provide guidance, answer questions and offer support during the initial weeks. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with the new employee to address any concerns, provide feedback and ensure they are adjusting well. Team Integration: Facilitate opportunities for the new employee to engage with their team through meetings, collaborative projects and social events if possible. #Evaluation and Feedback Gather Feedback: Solicit feedback from the new employee about the orientation process to identify areas for improvement. Review: Conduct an initial performance review after 90days and provide feedback. #By following these steps, you can effectively integrate a new hire into the team while maintaining high standards of patient care and minimizing any potential disruptions to patient outcomes. #WelcomeToHealthcare #NewHireJourney #HealthcareOnboarding