Occupational Health + Waste

Occupational Health

Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

I chose sevoflurane as a product that I wanted to look up using the University of California, San Francisco's (UCSF) Safety Data Sheets Database provided in the UC Safety Resources. I thought the MSDS was an adequate tool for a worker to use and gain an understanding of the potential health risks. It also provided simple safety instructions on how workers can protect themselves from the product. I would not consider the MSDS to be adequate or appropriate for the general public that reads at or below the 6th-grade level, considering some of the medical terminologies. 

Below is a comparison of UCSF's MSDS and TOXNET's report on sevoflurane:

(UCSF)

(TOXNET)

I thought both provided sufficient information for medical workers to follow. However, TOXNET elaborated more on human health effects, as the source also incorporated case reports and peer-reviewed data. 

Occupational Health Safety Program

The World Health Organization (WHO) occupational health and safety program that I chose was needlestick injuries because, in the past, I have experienced a needlestick injury. The WHO stated that "of the 35 million health-care workers, 2 million experience percutaneous exposure to infectious diseases each year," according to a report in 2002. As an effort to reduce needlestick injuries, the WHO implemented projects to promote injection safety by providing a toolkit and guidelines. 

The Cal/OSHA safety program I chose was safe patient handling because I sustained musculoskeletal injuries from mobilizing patients. As a result of the injury, I had to be placed on modified duty for two months, and it was debilitating to feel limited in mobility. The hospitals want to do their part to help reduce musculoskeletal injuries amongst hospital staff by incorporating the Cal/OSHA safety program and providing mandatory in-services on safe patient handling twice a year. 

Waste

I believe that nurses can play a role in addressing food waste by educating patients on practices to reduce waste. It troubles me when I see patients order trays of food, yet they only consume a portion of it, and the rest goes in the garbage. When patients are not placed on specific diet restrictions, individual hospitals allow them to order an unlimited amount of food items. I think hospitals can help reduce food waste by regulating the quantity of food that patients are ordering. Besides, hospitals can also implement practices to reduce the packaging of food products. I know some coffee shops give customers discounts if the customers bring in their own reusable tumbler/coffee mug, which can undoubtedly decrease waste if you can imagine how many Starbucks cups are used every day. After watching the clip on food waste in the United States on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, I was surprised that grocery stores and restaurants were more willing to throw away food that was still good for consumption rather than donating because it was more expensive to do the latter. There is so much food wasted when there are families facing food insecurity globally. 

Nurses can exert leadership in addressing pharmaceutical waste by following hospital guidelines on proper disposal practices. Nurses can also promote these practices by educating colleagues, and if there is ever any doubt, I think it is essential to consult with the pharmacist or research the materials safety data sheet. 

After watching Lauren Singer talk about her zero-waste lifestyle on TED Talk, I was inspired to make some changes to lead a more sustainable and minimal lifestyle for myself. I find it frustrating that there is so much unnecessary packaging of materials in the world we live in today. 

Kathryn from Going Zero Waste provided "101 Easy Eco Friendly, Zero Waste Tips" in her blog. Below are a few tips extracted from her site:

• Ask for no straw in your drink order when out.
• Don't leave your house without a full reusable water bottle.
• Ditch tissues for handkerchiefs.
• Pick up a lonely banana.
• Always say no thank you to free promotional items. They tend to be cheap and break easily.
• Get a library card to support your local sharing economy.
• Donate unused items in good condition to support the second-hand market.
• Think second-hand first when purchasing something.
• Try elderberry syrup if you feel a cold coming on instead of immediately reaching for a plastic pill bottle.
• Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush.
• Turn old sheets and towels into handkerchiefs, rags, napkins, and cloth produce bags.
• Build a zero waste kit and put in the trunk of your car or carry it with you when you'll be out so you'll always be prepared. It doesn't have to be large just a few items!
• Wash clothes when they are actually dirty, instead of after only one wear.
• Open a window to cool down your home or air it out.
• Try to avoid palm oil.
• Buy food without packaging or minimal packaging.
• Instead of buying something when you're having a bad day, do something. I.e. go on a walk, take a yoga class, meet up with a friend.
• Repurpose stale bread.
• Make dry shampoo to stretch between washes.