Did You Know:
Despite extensive regulations, resources, and training programs, many lab leaders in charge of safety programs still struggle to keep staff safe. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, US clinical labs are suddenly on the front lines, providing specimen collection, coordinating supplies, and even offering testing. As a result, many questions have been asked by lab staff about how to remain safe when handling COVID-19 specimens.
A time of crisis such as this offers an opportunity for lab leaders to re-evaluate their safety program, and identify areas of improvement. To boost safety in the environment, laboratorians should be trained in the use of their “Safety Eyes”—the ability to easily see an unsafe issue. Once trained, a person can walk through the lab and quickly and easily recognize unsafe situations.
Another way to get a pulse on the effectiveness of your program is to simply ask your staff about the lab’s current safety culture. The feedback you receive may surprise you.
