Med Center Health Safety Snapshot – August

Your Quick Look into Safety at Med Center Health

At Med Center Health, safety and high reliability are our promise to every person who comes through our doors. This Safety Snapshot highlights a Joint Commission National Performance Goal focused on workplace and patient safety.

Workplace and Patient Safety

The Joint Commission recognizes that a safe workplace is essential to safe patient care. Healthcare workers face unique risks, including workplace violence, musculoskeletal injuries, and environmental hazards. Creating a safe environment requires awareness, communication, teamwork, and consistent use of established safety practices. Every team member has a responsibility to recognize hazards, speak up, and help prevent harm.

What This Means for Daily Practice

Recognize and report safety hazards
Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, environmental risks, or behaviors that could place patients, visitors, or staff at risk.

  • Prevent slips, trips, and falls
    • Keep hallways and exits clear, clean spills promptly, and ensure equipment is stored safely.
  • Use equipment safely
    • Inspect equipment before use and remove damaged or malfunctioning items from service immediately.
  • Practice safe patient handling
    • Use proper lifting techniques and assistive devices to reduce injury risk for both patients and staff.
    • If you need assistance moving or turning a patient, ask a co-worker for help.
  • Support workplace violence prevention efforts
    • Be aware of escalating behaviors, use de-escalation techniques when appropriate, and follow reporting and escalation procedures.
    • Be alert for Med Center Health’s “Violet for Violence” door signage, which identifies patients who may be at increased risk for aggressive or violent behavior.
  • Follow emergency and safety procedures
    • Know how to respond during emergencies, including fire safety, evacuation, and emergency codes.
  • Speak up for safety
    • Pause and communicate concerns if something does not seem safe or consistent with policy.
    • Consider using CUS words when discussing potential safety issues with colleagues
      • “I am concerned because…”
      • “I am uncomfortable proceeding due to…”
      • “This is a safety issue”
  • Complete Safety CBLs
    • Safety CBLS are due 8/17/2026.

Why It Matters

Workplace safety and patient safety go hand in hand. When we recognize hazards early, use safety tools like our Violet for Violence door signs, and look out for one another, we help prevent injuries before they happen. Every action we take to create a safer workplace supports our team, our patients, and our commitment to high reliability.

Together, we make safety a reality. Thank you for being an essential part of our culture of safety!

Reliably yours,

Denise Kaetzel, MHA, MSN, RN, CENP – Executive Director of Quality and Patient Experience

Kaitlin Banasiewicz, PhD, MSN, RN – Director of Patient Safety and Clinical Research

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