Connect with us

Health

The Dangers Of Wrong Disposal and Current Regulations For Proper Waste Management

The Dangers Of Wrong Disposal and Current Regulations For Proper Waste Management

One of the issues that the healthcare industry faces on a daily basis is workers’ safety. Healthcare has more cases of work injuries and illnesses and among any other sector within the private industry, even greater than manufacturing or construction. According to one study in the United States, when these incidents occur, medical facilities lose about $2 billion, just to shoulder workers’ compensation costs.

About Clinical Waste

Indeed, workers sustain certain injuries and/or go down with illnesses because of certain hazards that are apparent in hospitals, clinics, dental offices, nursing homes, laboratories, and other medical facilities. One of these hazards is medical or clinical waste. In a nutshell, improper handling of clinical waste can result in tragic and fatal consequences among healthcare workers. Hence, any medical facility should take measures in order to avoid such scenario from happening.

Basically, any waste material that is generated during diagnosis or treatment of individuals, or generated for use in medical research, is considered medical or clinical waste. Examples of such include, but are not limited to, bandages soaked in blood, used needles or any other medical sharps, discarded gloves and other instruments used for surgical procedures, and removed body parts such as organs and amputated limbs.

The Dangers Of Wrong Disposal and Current Regulations For Proper Waste Management

The Dangers of Wrong Medical Waste Disposal

These unwanted products coming from medical facilities are highly contagious and must be disposed properly. Mishandling them before, during, and after disposal poses a significant health and environmental problem. Patients who are already ill should not be subjected to further contamination that could worsen their overall health condition. Aside from patients, hospital workers, from doctors, nurses, to maintenance personnel, are highly at risk of getting infected due to mismanagement of medical waste.

As it is, medical waste contains blood-borne pathogens that, if transmitted through inhalation, ingestion, skin puncture, or any other route within the human body, could result in a patient or hospital worker to be exposed to a variety of diseases. When medical waste is improperly disposed, individuals may contract hepatitis B or C, HIV, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and other blood-borne diseases. These diseases are certainly not minor and could greatly affect any person’s health and life. In case any of these illnesses affect an individual, he or she would have to undergo series of treatment, which could not only affect him or her physically but financially and emotionally as well.

Because of the many types of diseases healthcare workers like physicians, nurses, and medical staff, it is very important for medical facilities to prioritize proper clinical waste management. Aside from government-mandated policies on waste disposal and management, healthcare industry employers should also impose their specific guidelines in order to curb spread of diseases.

Current Medical Waste Management Regulations

Employers, for the most part, must ensure that their workers perform their duties in a safe working environment. Thus, it is their responsibility to commit themselves in implementing certain medical waste management procedures in compliance with the prevailing federal and state regulations.

In terms of waste management, requirements include providing containers for medical waste storage and proper labeling of such containers like medical waste bags or bins. Medical facilities must also have a comprehensive plan or system in place not only for the safe disposal of waste, but also for incidents of contamination among health workers.

In summary, the observance of proper clinical waste management in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities is a critical aspect of workers’ health and safety. Putting into mind proper handling of medical waste cuts down incidents of illnesses being sustained by health workers, which effectively reduces costs employers have to incur, can greatly prevent prevalence of accidents caused by improper waste management.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Home Improvement4 hours ago

How To Add More Value To Your Home

If you have some spare cash in the bank, it is likely you would like to spend it on your...

Lifestyle2 days ago

What is a Deep Plane Facelift

Cosmetic surgery is a choice that needs a lot of research and when it comes to thinking about a facelift...

Entrepreneur2 days ago

Unveiling the Demand for Digital Marketing Courses: A Comprehensive Analysis

In recent years, the realm of marketing has undergone a seismic shift propelled by the digital revolution. As businesses increasingly...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

What Does an Effective Wardrobe Spring Clean Entail?

Spring is upon us which means one thing and one thing only. It is time for the annual purge of...

Business2 months ago

Your Basic Guide To Creating A Unique Investment Blog

Starting your own blog is great and once you get the ball rolling, it can be a good passive income...

Business2 months ago

3 Low-Risk Ways To Get Your New Business Started

Once you’ve got an initial business idea and believe that it will be a success, there are some basic things...

Lifestyle2 months ago

Conquering the Co-free Zone: Tips for Thriving as a Remote Worker

Adjusting to an office environment can come with its downfalls in the sense that it might be a shock to...

General3 months ago

3 Ways To Take Control Of Your Finances Starting Now

If your finances have taken over and are bringing stress to your life, we understand just how overwhelming it can...

Travel5 months ago

Best Places To Visit In The North Of England

If you live in England, you will know there are many different places to visit for the weekend. There are...

General5 months ago

Green Home Improvement Ideas

In a world where environmental concerns are growing, the concept of “green” has gone beyond a trendy catchphrase and is...

Lifestyle5 months ago

How to Host an Unforgettable House-Warming!

The time has finally come. You have moved into your dream pad, and are officially adulting in your very own...

Autos5 months ago

A Guide to Parking Lot Striping

The journey to a well-striped parking lot begins with the right paint. In this brief guide, we’ll unravel the mystery...

Business8 months ago

Business Tips For Protecting Your Finances During A Recession

In 2023, taking the necessary steps to protect your finances for your business is now more important than ever. The...

Lifestyle9 months ago

Tips For Cleaning Your Trainers

If you’re into your trainers and streetwear, you’re likely to be very conscious of keeping them looking their best! So,...

Marketing9 months ago

Branding Trends For Start-Ups in 2023

Branding is incredibly important as it impacts how your business reaches and connects with its target market. If you’re branding...

Categories

Archives

Trending