Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/704847
Health and Safety with National Nurses United 24 Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Staffing ratios are at the heart of Health and Safety, since safe staffing levels prevent adverse effects for both nurses and patients. Another tool that helps to protect nurses are coordinated programs within facilities to iden- tify and control hazards before they injure workers or make them sick. Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPPs) or Safety and Health Programs are mandated in some states and voluntary in others. These IIPPs should iden- tify, evaluate, and control hazards faced by RNs and other workers in hospitals. California: Title 8 Section 3203 of the California Code of Regula- tions requires employers to maintain a written IIPP that includes: • Procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, unsafe conditions and work practices, including scheduled periodic inspections. • Methods and procedures for correcting unsafe or unhealthy conditions, work practices and work procedures, in a timely manner. • Training and instruction for all employees. Minnesota: Chapter 5208 requires joint labor-management safety and health committee for employers with more than 25 employees. Employee safety committee members must be selected by employees, with at least equal representation or more from employees. Nevada: Nevada Administrative Code Section 618.538 requires employers with 11 or more em- ployees to establish a written safety program which requires: If the employees are represented by a labor organization, the rep- resentatives of employees must be selected by the employees and not appointed by the employer. Missouri: Missouri Workers' Safety Program, a voluntary pro- gram. New York: Workplace Safety and Loss Prevention Program is required only when three condi- tions are met: • The employer has a payroll over $800,000. • The employer has a bad workers compensation experience rating. • The prevention program is recommended by a consultant after inspection. Texas: Offers a free service, the Occupational Safety and Health Consultation program. States with Injury and Illness Prevention Programs or Safety and Health Programs: