safety protocols essay

Writing Effective Safety Protocols: Guard Against Hazards Today!

In today’s fast-paced world, safety is our number one priority. That’s why implementing effective safety protocols is crucial for protecting our well-being and ensuring a secure environment. Whether you’re at work, school, or even in the comfort of your own home, having the right safety protocols in place can make all the difference.

From wearing protective gear to practicing proper emergency procedures , these protocols serve as a shield against potential risks and hazards. So, let’s dive into the world of safety protocols and discover how they can empower us to live with peace of mind and confidence.

What are Safety Protocols? Definition and Meanings

Safety protocols are a set of procedures designed to protect workers from potential hazards in their work environment. These written safety protocols are a crucial aspect of occupational safety and health. They include specific steps and measures to be taken to prevent accidents and injuries. For instance, a university lab might have safety protocols to handle chemicals, ensuring that students and staff are not exposed to hazardous substances.

Why is Writing Effective Safety Protocols Crucial for Workers?

Workers are at the frontline, exposed to various risks and hazards daily. Effective safety protocols ensure their health and safety, reducing the chance of accidents. A well-written safety protocol not only lists the potential hazards but also provides clear instructions on how to handle them safely. For example, a construction worker might need to know the proper technique to lift heavy objects without causing injury.

10 Best Practices to Write Safety Protocols

Writing effective safety protocols is crucial for ensuring the well-being of individuals in various environments. Here are ten best practices to consider when writing safety protocols:

1. Comprehensive Hazard Identification

The first step in crafting effective safety protocols is to understand the environment you’re dealing with thoroughly. This means conducting a meticulous examination of the workplace, the machinery in use, the chemicals present, and the tasks that workers perform daily. By identifying potential hazards at the outset, you can tailor your safety protocols to address specific risks, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.

2. Engage the Workforce

Workers are the backbone of any organization, and they interact directly with potential hazards. Their firsthand experience and insights are invaluable in the process of developing safety protocols. By involving them actively, you not only gain a deeper understanding of the risks but also foster a sense of ownership among the workforce. This collaborative approach ensures that the protocols are comprehensive and practical.

3. Dynamic Updates

The world of work is constantly evolving, with new machinery, chemicals, and processes being introduced. As such, safety protocols cannot remain static. It’s essential to revisit and revise them periodically, ensuring they remain relevant and effective. This proactive approach ensures that emerging risks are promptly addressed and workers are always protected.

4. Simplicity and Precision

While it’s essential to be thorough, it’s equally crucial that safety protocols are easily understandable. Avoiding technical jargon and drafting protocols in simple language ensures that every worker, regardless of their educational background, can comprehend and follow them. Precision in detailing steps and procedures ensures there’s no ambiguity, reducing the chances of errors.

5. In-depth Training Sessions

Once you’ve drafted your safety protocols, the next step is to ensure that every worker is familiar with them. Organizing comprehensive training sessions where protocols are explained, demonstrated, and practiced is vital. These sessions should be interactive, allowing workers to ask questions and clarify doubts, ensuring they are well-equipped to adhere to the protocols.

6. Feedback Mechanism

No system is perfect, and there’s always room for improvement. Establishing a feedback mechanism where workers can share their insights, experiences, and suggestions regarding the safety protocols is essential. This not only helps in refining the protocols but also fosters a sense of involvement and trust among the workforce.

7. Utilize Technology

In today’s digital age, leveraging technology can greatly enhance the effectiveness of safety protocols. Using software or apps can streamline the documentation process, making protocols easily accessible to all workers. Additionally, technology can be used to send reminders and updates and conduct virtual training sessions, ensuring that safety remains a top priority.

8. Regular Audits

Complacency can be a significant risk in safety management. To ensure that safety protocols are consistently followed and remain effective, it’s essential to conduct regular audits. These audits can identify areas of non-compliance, potential oversights in the protocols, or areas that need further attention, ensuring that the safety system remains robust.

9. Stay Informed

Safety standards and best practices are continually evolving, both at local and international levels. Staying updated with the latest safety standards, research findings, and best practices ensures that your safety protocols are always at the forefront of safety management. This proactive approach not only protects workers but also positions the organization as a leader in safety.

10. Promote a Safety-first Culture

Writing safety protocols is just one part of the equation. The real challenge lies in ensuring that safety becomes an integral part of the organization’s culture. This means promoting a mindset where safety is seen as a shared responsibility and is prioritized at all levels, from top management to the newest recruit. Regular safety drills, recognizing and rewarding safe behavior, and open communication channels are some ways to cultivate a safety-first culture.

What Harm Can Occur Without Proper Safety Protocols?

Safety protocols serve as the foundation for ensuring a safe and hazard-free work environment. Their absence or inadequacy can lead to a cascade of detrimental consequences, both immediate and long-term.

At the most basic level, the absence of safety protocols directly exposes workers to potential dangers. Without clear guidelines on how to operate machinery, handle chemicals, or perform specific tasks, workers are left to rely on guesswork or prior knowledge, which may not always be accurate or safe. This increases the likelihood of accidents. For example, a worker might unknowingly be exposed to a toxic chemical, leading to immediate health issues or long-term ailments.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a vital component of many safety protocols. PPE, such as gloves, safety goggles, helmets, and masks, acts as the first line of defense against many workplace hazards . Without the proper use of PPE, workers are directly exposed to risks. A simple task like welding without a protective mask can lead to severe eye damage. Similarly, handling chemicals without gloves can result in skin burns or absorption of harmful substances.

Beyond the immediate physical harm to workers, the lack of safety protocols can have broader implications for the company. Accidents and injuries can lead to significant downtime as machinery might need repairs or specific sections of the workplace might become temporarily unusable. This downtime can result in production losses and financial setbacks.

The Role of PPE in Safety Protocols

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stands as a vital barrier between workers and potential workplace hazards. Its integration into safety protocols ensures that workers remain shielded, especially in situations where hazards cannot be entirely eliminated.

Key Roles of PPE:

• Protection from Direct Hazards: Whether it’s a chemical spill in a lab or falling debris on a construction site, PPE, like chemical-resistant gloves or helmets, can prevent direct harm, such as burns or head injuries.
• Shielding Sensitive Areas: Certain parts of the body, like the eyes, are particularly vulnerable. Safety glasses, for instance, protect the eyes from dust, sparks, or other harmful particles.
• Maintaining Worker Health: In environments with airborne contaminants, masks, and respirators play a crucial role in preventing workers from inhaling harmful substances.

The Importance of Proper PPE Usage:

• Training is Crucial: Merely having access to PPE isn’t enough. Workers must be trained on its proper usage. For example, a safety mask’s effectiveness is compromised if it doesn’t fit snugly.
• Quality Matters: It’s essential to ensure that the PPE provided is of high quality, meeting industry and regulatory standards. Compromising on quality can lead to equipment failure and potential harm.
• Regular Maintenance: PPE needs regular checks and maintenance. Damaged or worn-out equipment can reduce its effectiveness in protecting the wearer.

PPE, when integrated effectively into safety protocols and used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries. It acts as a critical shield, ensuring that workers remain safe even in high-risk environments.

Real-life Examples of Safety Protocol Failures

Safety protocols are designed to prevent accidents, protect human lives, and minimize environmental damage. However, history has shown that when these protocols are ignored, inadequately implemented, or simply absent, the consequences can be catastrophic. Let’s delve into some real-life examples to understand the gravity of such failures.

Oil Spills and Their Consequences

One of the most notorious examples of safety protocol failures is oil spills, which have both immediate and long-term repercussions.

• Deepwater Horizon (2010): Perhaps one of the most infamous oil spills in history, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion resulted in the death of 11 workers and the release of approximately 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Investigations later revealed that the disaster was a result of multiple safety protocol breaches, including the failure of the blowout preventer, a last-resort piece of safety equipment. The spill had devastating effects on the marine and coastal ecosystems and severely impacted local fisheries and tourism.
• Exxon Valdez (1989): The Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska’s Prince William Sound is another example of safety protocol failure. The tanker struck a reef and spilled about 11 million gallons of crude oil. Human error was a significant factor, as the ship’s master was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The spill had long-lasting environmental impacts, with some species still showing signs of recovery decades later.

Mining Disasters

Mining is inherently risky, but with proper safety protocols, many accidents can be prevented.

• Soma Mine Disaster (2014): In Turkey, an explosion and fire at a coal mine in Soma resulted in the death of 301 miners. It was the country’s worst mining disaster. Investigations pointed to several safety violations, including inadequate ventilation systems and escape routes.
• Pike River Mine Explosion (2010): In New Zealand, a series of explosions at the Pike River Mine led to the death of 29 workers. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the mine lacked proper methane drainage and monitoring systems, leading to the buildup of explosive gases.

Chemical Plant Accidents

Chemical plants deal with volatile substances, making safety protocols paramount.

• Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): In one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, a leak at a pesticide plant in Bhopal , India, released toxic methyl isocyanate gas, killing thousands and causing severe health issues for countless others. The plant had multiple safety protocol failures, including malfunctioning safety systems and inadequate response measures.

These tragic events underscore the critical importance of robust safety protocols. They serve as sad reminders of the human, environmental, and economic costs that can arise from negligence, oversight, or inadequate safety measures. Properly implemented and regularly reviewed safety protocols can prevent such disasters and protect lives and the environment.

Risk Assessment: A Key Step in Safety Management

Risk assessment is the cornerstone of any comprehensive safety management system. It’s a systematic approach to understanding the potential dangers that might exist in a workplace and determining the likelihood of those hazards causing harm. The process begins with identifying potential hazards, which could range from machinery operations chemical handling, to ergonomic issues. Once identified, each hazard is then evaluated based on its potential severity and the likelihood of it occurring.

For instance, a chemical stored in a factory might be extremely hazardous, but if it’s stored securely with limited access, the risk of exposure might be low. Conversely, a less hazardous substance that is frequently used and accessed by many workers might pose a higher risk. After evaluating the risks, the next step is to develop measures to control or eliminate them. This could involve introducing new safety equipment, changing work processes, or providing additional training to workers.

Risk assessment isn’t a one-time activity. As work environments change, new equipment is introduced, or tasks evolve, risks need to be reassessed. Regulatory bodies like OSHA provide guidelines and tools that can assist organizations in conducting thorough and effective risk assessments.

The Importance of Training to Ensure Safety Compliance

Training plays a pivotal role in translating written safety protocols into practical, on-the-ground actions. It’s not enough for workers to be aware of safety protocols; they must fully understand them and know how to implement them in their daily tasks. Training sessions serve this purpose, providing workers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

For instance, a worker might know that they should wear safety goggles, but training will teach them when and how to wear them, how to maintain them, and what to do if they become damaged. Practical demonstrations, where workers can see safety protocols in action and practice them in controlled environments, are invaluable. Such hands-on experiences reinforce learning and ensure that safety procedures are second nature to workers.

The Future of Safety Protocols: What’s Next?

The world of safety management is not static. As technology advances and we gain a deeper understanding of risks, the way we approach safety evolves. In the future, we can expect a more proactive approach to safety. Instead of just reacting to incidents, there will be a shift towards predicting and preventing them.

Data analytics, for instance, can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources to predict where potential hazards might arise. Wearable technology might monitor workers’ vitals and environmental conditions in real time, alerting them to potential dangers. Augmented reality could be used in training, providing workers with realistic simulations of potential hazards.

Furthermore, as workplaces become more interconnected, there will be a greater emphasis on holistic safety protocols that consider not just individual tasks but the entire system. This integrated approach will ensure that safety protocols are comprehensive, up-to-date, and effective in protecting workers in an ever-evolving work environment.

What is the importance of writing effective safety protocols?

Writing effective safety protocols is essential for any organization to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees. These protocols are designed to identify and guard against potential hazards and minimize the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Why do safety protocols require careful planning and documentation?

Safety protocols require careful planning and documentation because they serve as a roadmap for employees to follow in order to maintain a safe and secure work environment. Planning and documentation ensure that all necessary precautions and procedures are in place and clearly communicated to everyone involved.

How can I create effective safety protocols?

To create effective safety protocols, you need to start by conducting a thorough risk assessment of your workplace. This will help you identify potential hazards and determine the necessary measures to mitigate them. Once you have identified the risks, you can then develop protocols that address each hazard and provide clear guidelines for employees to follow.

What should be the focus of safety protocols?

The focus of safety protocols should be on preventing accidents and injuries. They should include measures to eliminate or minimize potential hazards, provide guidelines for safe work practices, and ensure that employees have the necessary training and equipment to perform their jobs safely.

How important is it to involve employees in the development of safety protocols?

Involving employees in the development of safety protocols is crucial because they are the ones who are directly affected by the protocols and are most likely to encounter the hazards. By involving employees, you can gain valuable insights and perspectives, increase their buy-in and commitment to safety, and ensure that the protocols are practical and feasible.

What role does the management team play in implementing safety protocols?

The management team plays a vital role in implementing safety protocols. They are responsible for providing the necessary resources, such as training and equipment, to ensure that the protocols can be effectively followed. They also need to demonstrate their commitment to safety by leading by example and enforcing the protocols consistently.

Why should safety protocols be regularly reviewed and updated?

Safety protocols should be regularly reviewed and updated because work environments are constantly evolving, and new hazards and risks may emerge. By conducting regular reviews, you can identify any gaps or deficiencies in the current protocols and make the necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

How can I stay updated on new safety protocols and best practices?

To stay updated on new safety protocols and best practices, you can subscribe to industry newsletters or safety blogs. These platforms often publish articles and posts that provide valuable insights and updates on emerging trends, regulations, and techniques in the field of safety.

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How to Write Effective Workplace Safety Protocols

When your employees perform a complex process with a high degree of risk, how do you keep them safe? How do you ensure that they know what to do to perform a task safely?

Workplace safety protocols are an underappreciated but essential part of your safety program. That’s because they help guide your workers through complex tasks that could easily go awry, ensuring that they always know what to do.

Of course, writing safety protocols to ensure safe behavior is an art in and of itself. Here’s a quick look at how to write protocols effectively.

What are Workplace Safety Protocols?

Workplace safety protocols, often called safety procedures, are step-by-step safety plans guiding employees through the safe performance of a given workplace procedure. As such, the protocol refers to both the process itself and the internal document put together by an organization.

All safety protocols will include a list of hazards associated with a given work task. The EHS team will then use a risk assessment matrix to assign a risk factor to each hazard. From there, the EHS team will break the process into steps to ensure each step is handled in a way that avoids or mitigates hazards associated with a given step.

When Do You Need Safety Protocols?

Technically, you could create a safety protocol for every process under the sun. However, most tasks aren’t worth the effort, not when your safety team has a laundry list of other tasks to deal with.

As such, it’s best to be strategic in your approach. As a rule, you need a safety protocol when a process:

• Is complicated
• Is routine but requires strict adherence to the rules
• Demands consistency
• Has significant consequences if performed incorrectly
• Involves documentation
• Has been changed recently

In a company, there are many tasks with informal procedures. Many tasks are fine with these informal procedures. However, you should have a written procedure if a task meets the criteria above, which suggests that it’s a higher-risk process.

How to Write Protocols

Of course, writing a protocol is more of an art than it seems. The protocol has to address what the reader needs to know, not just what they want to know.

The best place to start is a strong understanding of existing safety laws. Chances are, if a procedure carries enough risk to warrant a written safety protocol, there is likely regulation out there that governs how a process should be performed.

From there, you can evaluate your business for existing risks. Know your risk matrix before you begin your risk assessment process – this will make it easier to ensure you focus on the highest-risk procedures.

From there, focus on making your language clear and direct. Be precise. If employees have to guess, there’s a chance they’ll perform a procedure wrong.

Simplifying Safety, One Protocol at a Time

Workplace safety protocols seem simple, but they achieve a difficult task – helping your workers navigate complicated work procedures safely. For that reason, they warrant extra care and attention from your EHS team.

If you’re looking to refine your safety procedures and protocol language, make sure to check out our blog for more tips, like this post on how to develop effective safety guidelines .

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COVID-19 school health and safety protocols: good practices and lessons learnt to respond to Omicron

The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Omicron variant wave have dramatically impacted societies in all sectors and at all levels. After near universal school closures in March 2020 that affected 1.6 billion learners and more than 100 million teachers and educators worldwide, countries around the world have developed health and safety protocols in an effort to safely keep schools open and protect students, teachers and other educational staff from the transmission of COVID-19. However, since the emergence of the Omicron variant in December 2021, these protocols have been disrupted and are being reevaluated as schools struggle to address a new set of challenges marked by staff shortages, threats to school safety and political battles over health measures. Based on an analysis of 35 countries, this brief report aims to provide a current overview of national health and safety protocols to keep schools open, their dimensions and how they are designed, implemented and regulated to ensure the continuation of education. It also aims to guide education systems by outlining some lessons learnt and effective practices on how the reopening of schools might be achieved safely and successfully. Finally, the report seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the impacts of the protocols on learning as well as the social and emotional wellbeing, health and development of learners and teachers. In a changing environment where infection rates are increasing at an exponential rate, it also explores how the Omicron variant is affecting current operations and what education systems should do to keep schools open while ensuring that all students are safe and learning.

Writing Effective Workplace Safety Protocols: 7 Essential Steps

Employees’ safety should always be a priority . They are the people standing on the first line of the defence, handling the toughest assignments. Without these, companies can’t grow. The least they deserve clearly defined safety protocols aimed to take care of their health.

Workplace safety protocols can educate employees (as well as employers) about how to perform their work with minimal risk. These protocols should touch the subjects of safety concerns, operating equipment safety, and precautions about their work environment.

So, what does it take to write workplace safety protocols that everyone will understand and respect? Keep on reading to find out.

Why Is Writing Workplace Safety Protocols Important?

Did you know that a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds ? The number of accidents at work is at a very high level. That’s why you need written safety protocols to inform the people about taking necessary precautions.

This document will serve as a step-by-step guide for safety. Besides, people in the company will have a constant reminder of how to prioritize their well-being.

Effectively written protocols are important for several reasons:

• Minimize workplace injuries
• Reduce the severity of injuries
• Provide employees with the knowledge and skills to avoid potential accidents
• Improve safety communication
• Protect the company from lawsuits and liabilities

7 Essential Steps to Writing Workplace Safety Protocols

How you express yourself in writing will have a direct effect on how well these rules are understood and executed. For that reason, you want to keep in mind the following writing tips.

1. Be clear and direct

The clarity and comprehension influence whether the procedures will be properly followed. Therefore, you should aim to keep your writing simple, clear, and precise.

Write the procedures or instructions as actions. Use active voice to simplify your writing. For example:

W ear safety goggles instead of You should wear safety goggles .

Using commands will place the focus on the action. Furthermore, it will give the document a more authoritative tone and voice.

2. Comply with and refer to relevant standards

When writing workplace safety protocols, you should keep in mind the standards of:

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Other governing body standards

Revise their rules and standards as they can help you leverage your protocols. Employers and employees will have a better understanding of the relevance of issued safety actions if you write that OSHA or a certain governing body requiring the same measures.

3. Evaluate and address all safety hazards

Safety hazards can differ depending on the workplace, so you should outline those which apply to your work environment.

You can consider the common safety hazards and address those that can potentially put employers and employees at risk. The most common industrial safety hazards are:

• Forklift accidents
• Fire outbreaks
• Accidental slips and falls
• Accidental machine start-ups
• Chemical accidents

However, if you work in an office, you should consider addressing the following common office safety hazards:

• Ergonomic strains
• Eye strains
• Poor air quality
• Electrocution
• Exposure to chemical and biological hazards
• Projectiles

Make sure that you don’t overlook an important issue by consulting with employers, managers, and employees. They can let you know about the safety concerns from the perspective of their workplace.

You should evaluate all potential risks, assess them, and then choose which ones must be addressed in the written form.

4. Create a safety protocols checklist

A checklist can make the protocols more readable and digestible. Big blocks of text aren’t skimmable, meaning that it is difficult to revise them rapidly. Writing workplace safety protocols in a list form can help employees memorize the rules easier as well as get a quick reminder when needed.

Let’s take as example safety protocols designed to prevent accidental slips and falls. Here’s how your list of protocols can look like:

• When cleaning, put up slip signs.
• Properly clean spills immediately.
• Cover or safely put away cables and cords that can cause trips and falls.
• Keep the laces tied.
• Close cabinets’ doors and drawers the moment you finish using them.
• Place warning signs in hazardous areas (such as uneven ground)
• Ensure secure placement of handrails alongside stairs.
• Provide proper lighting.

Include both employers’ and employees’ responsibilities in the list to create a safe and secure work environment for everyone.

5. Explain why the work must be done in a certain way

Help people understand why these protocols are issues. When they know the aftermath of not complying with the rules, the stakes will be higher.

A brief explanation following the protocol can go a long way. For example:

Handle garbage safely to prevent contact with sharp objects and other improper items discarded in the waste.

If you need help with the explanation text, you can ask the help of professional writers, who offer blogpost writing.

6. Clarify the importance of respecting safety protocols

Everyone must be on the same page when it comes to the importance of respecting the written workplace safety protocols. The only way to clarify this is to write it down.

Issue statements that explain how health and safety will not be sacrificed for anyone. Be absolutely clear that the company has zero tolerance for unsafe behavior and not respecting the set rules.

7. Update the protocols when needed

Innovation within companies is a given. The job functions and business activities can change, and safety protocols must align with them.

Whenever there is a change that demands adding a new safety protocol, review your writing. Update the document regularly and rapidly, leaving no room for accidents to arise due to lack of knowledge or skills.

Final Thoughts

Workplace protocols have an important role within any company. If they are well-written, comprehensive, and detailed, the risks can reduce and the number of injuries will lower. Therefore, you should take these steps to make sure that your written workplace safety protocols will serve their purpose successfully.

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Donaldson L, Ricciardi W, Sheridan S, et al., editors. Textbook of Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2021. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-59403-9_1

Textbook of Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management [Internet].

Chapter 1 guidelines and safety practices for improving patient safety.

Walter Ricciardi and Fidelia Cascini .

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Published online: December 15, 2020.

This chapter explains why clinical practice guidelines are needed to improve patient safety and how further research into safety practices can successfully influence the guideline development process. There is a description of the structured process by which guidelines that aim to increase the likelihood of a higher score are created. Proposals are made relating to (a) the live updating of individual guideline recommendations and (b) tackling challenges related to the improvement of guidelines.

1.1. Introduction

Actions to improve patient safety have shown widely varying degrees of effectiveness. Usually hospitals are focused on the occurrence of adverse events and the level of adversity to the patient in the contexts of insurance premiums and the costs of malpractice. Furthermore, even risk management units within hospitals focus on these factors, when comparing the performance of departments or wards. However, for the improvement of patient safety in clinical practice, a different approach is required, in which the prevention of patient harm and effectiveness of clinical actions is standardized and assessed on the basis of scientific evidence.

Recommendations that have been translated into guidelines are the best possible evidence-based solutions to clinical practice issues. However, it appears that there are very few clinical guidelines focused on patient safety, particularly in the risk management sector. Furthermore, when using clinical guidelines for quality and safety improvement, practices often seem to diverge. Higher quality and safer clinical practice are consequently difficult to achieve, share, and promote.

Existing knowledge of patient safety essentially covers the nosography of threats and causes of patient harm, as opposed to possible evidence-based solutions that can (a) prevent risks, (b) address healthcare incidents, and (c) which can be compared. This means that etiology, pathogenesis, and observations of safety issues in clinical departments, and, more broadly in healthcare organizations, are often investigated while proven solutions to patient safety issues are rarely discussed. To give an appropriate analogy, it is like saying that there are many papers that have examined perioperative complications, type of surgeries, and patient characteristics. However, no research is available on how the occurrence of these complications have been managed in different settings according to organizational and human factors.

It is essential that healthcare professionals acquire proficiency in producing evidence that can be used for making improvements to patient’s safety and managing the risks of adverse events. To successfully achieve this goal, the first step is for them to have a clear idea of what guidelines and practices are. Definitions of these terms will be the content of the first section of this chapter. Once these concepts have been introduced, the second section will show the current picture regarding patient safety and why a greater number of valuable clinical guidelines are needed. The third section will then consider possible solutions, lessons to apply in practice, and will explain how to prepare and update a guideline. The challenges we are facing along with the limits of the current guidelines will be considered at the end, which will assist in managing patient safety in future.

1.2. The Need to Understand Guidelines Before Improving Safety

The World Health Organization (WHO) regards guidelines as tools to help people to make decisions and particularly emphasize the concept of choosing from a range of interventions or measures. A WHO guideline is any document developed by the World Health Organization containing recommendations for clinical practice or public health policy. A recommendation tells the intended end-user of the guideline what he or she can or should do in specific situations to achieve the best health outcomes possible, individually or collectively. It offers a choice of different interventions or measures that are intended to have a positive impact on health and explains their implications for the use of resources. Recommendations help the user of the guideline make informed decisions on whether to undertake specific interventions or clinical tests, or if they should implement wider public health measures, as well as where and when to do so. Recommendations also help the user to select and prioritize across a range of potential interventions [ 1 ].

With a greater emphasis on clinical practice, the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines guidelines as “statements that include recommendations, intended to optimize patient care, that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options” [ 2 ]. This definition emphasizes that the foundation of a guideline is a systematic review of the scientific evidence bearing on a clinical issue. The strength of the evidence leads the clinical decision-making process through a set of recommendations. These concern the benefits and harms of alternative care options and address how patients should be managed, everything else being equal.

The U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) also uses the definition of clinical practice guidelines developed by the IOM, stating that “clinical practice guidelines are statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options” [ 3 ].

The British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) stresses scientific evidence as the basis of guidelines. It states: “NICE guidelines make evidence-based recommendations on a wide range of topics, from preventing and managing specific conditions, improving health, and managing medicines in different settings, to providing social care and support to adults and children, safe staffing, and planning broader services and interventions to improve the health of communities” [ 4 ].

The Italian National Center for Clinical Excellence (CNEC) that is responsible for the National Guidelines System (SNLG) uses essentially the same definition as NICE, stressing the importance of evidence-based medicine as the foundation of recommendations in guidelines.

The recent report on healthcare quality improvement published by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies [ 5 ] reiterates that clinical guidelines focus on how to approach patients with defined healthcare problems, either throughout the entire care process or in specific clinical situations. As such, they can be considered as a tool to inform healthcare delivery, with a specific focus on the clinical components, in the context of medical practice as an applied science. Clinical guidelines have the potential to reduce unwarranted practice variation and enhance translation of research into practice; a well-developed guideline which is also well implemented will help improve patient outcomes by optimizing the process of care [ 6 , 7 ].

From the perspective of international accreditation societies such as Joint Commission International (JCI), guidelines that help healthcare organizations to improve performance and outcomes are part of the foundation of processes aimed at reaching the goal of safe and high-quality care [ 8 ]. JCI maintains that clinical practice guidelines are truly major and effective tools in the practice of delivering evidence-based medicine to achieve more effective patient outcomes and safer care. These guidelines, which must be used in all JCI accreditation programs, can achieve their maximum potential when they are both well developed and effectively introduced into clinical practice.

All of the definitions mentioned are consistent. Guidelines are not presented as a substitute for the advice of a physician or other knowledgeable healthcare professionals or providers. They are tools describing recommended courses of intervention whose key elements are the best available scientific evidence and actions according to this evidence. The goal is the promotion of health and consequently, the quality and safety of care. However, it is also desirable for professionals to share within the scientific community the results from using clinical practice guidelines in the context of valuable, real-world experience to inform safety interventions. Professionals are expected to share their current practice to help them apply guidelines to real-life situations and also to improve guidelines in the light of that experience.

Ensuring the quality of healthcare services and making improvements to patient safety require that evidence-based recommendations from guidelines, and their application in the form of practical interventions (best practices), always function as synergetic tools. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on what constitutes practice-based evidence (which is what emerges from routine hospital activities) and what metrics can be used to ensure the quality of this evidence. Healthcare interventions that have been shown to produce desirable outcomes and that are suitable for adaptation to other settings can be called “best practices.” A best practice is “ an intervention that has shown evidence of effectiveness in a particular setting and is likely to be replicable to other situations ” [ 9 ]. Moreover, a best practice is not a synonym of a good practice or, simply, of a practice: it is an already existing and selected intervention whose effectiveness has already been established. This concept is widely applicable in health care, from patient safety to public health, including the quality of care. In fact, a best practice is based on evidence from up-to-date research and it has the added value of incorporating experience acquired in real-life settings.

A best practice provides tangible solutions as the most effective process or method to achieve a specific objective, with results that are shareable. As a consequence, the practice can then become a model. Some organizations are working on creating best practice models, in particular, on selecting techniques or methodologies that have been proven to be reliable in achieving desired results through consolidated and updated experience and research. The British Medical Journal (BMJ), for example, funds a service (available at https://bestpractice.bmj.com/info/ ) that collects the latest evidence-based information to support professional decisions and brings together regularly updated research evidence and the knowledge of international experts. According to the BMJ, its best practice tool is “a clinical decision support tool that offers a step-by-step approach to help manage patient diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention.”

1.3. The Current Patient Safety Picture and the Demandfor Guidelines

• Four out of every 10 patients are harmed in primary and outpatient (ambulatory) health care, with up to 80% of the harm considered to have been preventable.
• Patient harm may account for more than 6% of hospital bed days and more than 7 million admissions.
• The most detrimental errors are related to diagnosis, prescription, and the use of medicines.

Moreover, there are other serious consequences. The WHO report also included the following criticisms concerning the “health status” of patient safety worldwide: the costs from unsafe medication practices or medication errors [ 14 , 15 ] and from delayed diagnosis [ 16 , 17 ], the costs of treating the effects of patient harm, the complications from surgery that cause more than 1 million patient deaths every year [ 18 ], and the inappropriate or unskilled use of medical radiation leading to health hazards to both patients and staff [ 19 ].

Approaches to improve patient safety have already been suggested. Evidence-based care positively affects healthcare practice and patient outcomes. For example, the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) [ 20 ] stated that the chances of a patient receiving safer care when entering a hospital have increased; an estimated 87,000 fewer patients died from hospital-acquired conditions between 2010 and 2014 in the USA. This not only represents a major improvement in patient safety, but also resulted in estimated savings of $19.8 billion. The US Agency reminded noted that hard work to reduce undesired outcomes had been performed by everyone from front-line staff to nurses, physicians, and hospital administrators. Further, theoretical financial savings from safety improvement and patient involvement were identified by WHO [ 13 , 21 ].

Additional measures to implement safety in practices should be mandatory, such as tools that are mainly evidence-based as well as the education of and outreach to providers and patients, and the widespread use of hospital-based electronic health records. Nevertheless, the practical implementation of evidence-based research to treat unsafe situations remains uncertain. One paradigm case is that of the healthcare-related infections where, although a standardized evidence-based approach to patient safety seems accessible and extremely useful in this field (e.g., hand hygiene guidelines) [ 22 ], WHO recently reported [ 10 ] that the numbers of healthcare-associated infections remain high, affecting up to 10 out of every 100 hospitalized patients, and that a large proportion were preventable [ 23 – 25 ]. A recent systematic review [ 26 ] also observed that 35–55% of healthcare-associated infections were preventable. This suggests that there remains much to be desired in terms of implementation of evidence-based best practices. Further, the levels of reductions in such infections attributable to the implementation of multifaceted, evidence-based interventions are in line with previous estimates [ 27 , 28 ].

Even in high-income countries where a high level of adherence to current recommendations is expected, and despite the existence of evidence-based strategies, a further reduction in the occurrence of these infections of 30–50% is achievable [ 26 ]. In reality, a large discrepancy is emerging between the intention to effect change by employing standard operating procedures and the accurate implementation of such practices in daily practice [ 29 ]. Great potential exists to further decrease hospital-acquired infection rates in a variety of settings. Relevant factors in the success of such programs include the study design, baseline infection rates and type of infection [ 30 ]. Other factors such as global aging trends and comorbidity are likely to require additional efforts to reduce the risk of infections while medical innovations may also reduce this risk due to the emergence of less invasive techniques (e.g., minimally invasive surgery or noninvasive ventilation).

Suggestions for how to address safety improvement in health care can be derived from a literature review of evaluations of interventions. The negative impact of failing to improve quality and safety in health care is a public health issue [ 9 ]. Instead of simply moving onto the next new paradigm, it is worth considering what deficiencies exist in the literature and how these might be rectified [ 31 ].

1.4. Implementing the Research on Patient Safety to Improve Clinical Practice

Evidence-based medicine is the use of the best available evidence to inform decisions about the care of individual patients [ 32 ]. This means that clinical care choices undergo rigorous evaluation instead of having their effectiveness presumed on the basis of subjective experience or arguments relating to the etiopathogenesis of diseases. Despite this, it has been noticed [ 31 ] that implementation efforts typically proceed on the basis of intuition, anecdotal stories of success, or studies that exhibit little of the methodological sophistication seen in the research that established the intervention’s benefit, even after multiple rigorously designed and well-conducted clinical trials have established the benefit of a particular care process.

Systematic reviews of the evidence and clinical practice guidelines that synthesize studies addressing important clinical decisions have been underestimated in clinical practice. A variety of factors have prevented clinicians from acquiring evidence in a reliable and timely fashion. Such evidence would include factors that have been the object of only limited study so far. Other elements of implementing evidence-based medicine that have been glossed over include the following: disagreement with the content of guidelines, which could quickly become out of date or have wide variations in methodological quality; the personal characteristics of providers, for example, their resistance to perceived infringements on physician autonomy; and logistical or financial barriers [ 33 ].

It has also been noted [ 31 ] that research into quality improvement (including patient safety) and the related literature differ from the other biomedical research in two major respects. First, evaluations of specific interventions often fail to meet basic standards for the conduct and reporting of research. Second, and more fundamentally, the choices of particular interventions lack compelling theories that can predict their success or be applied to specific features during their development. Methodological shortcomings in the quality improvement research literature include basic problems with the design and analysis of the interventions as well as poor reporting of the results.

In light of this, a recent review [ 34 ] highlighted that delivering improvements in the quality and safety of health care remains an international challenge. In recent years, quality improvement methods such as plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles have been used in an attempt to drive such improvements. This method is widely used in healthcare improvement however there are little overarching evaluations of how it is applied. PDSA cycles can be used to structure the process of change iteratively, either as a standalone method or as part of a range of quality improvement approaches, such as the Model for Improvement (MFI), Total Quality Management, Continuous QI, Lean, Six Sigma or Quality Improvement Collaboratives [ 35 – 37 ].

Despite the increased use of quality improvement methods, the evidence base for their effectiveness is poor and unsubstantiated [ 31 , 38 , 39 ]. PDSA cycles are often a central component of quality improvement initiatives; however, few formal objective evaluations of their effectiveness or application have been carried out [ 40 ]. Some PDSA approaches have been demonstrated to result in significant improvements in care and patient outcomes [ 41 ] while others have demonstrated no improvements at all [ 42 – 44 ]. Thus, evidence of effective quality improvement interventions remains mixed, with literature concluding that quality improvement interventions are only effective in specific settings and are used as “single-bullet” interventions that cannot deliver consistent improvements. Conversely, effective interventions need to be complex and multifaceted [ 45 – 47 ] and developed iteratively to adapt to the local context and respond to unforeseen obstacles and unintended effects [ 48 , 49 ].

Finding effective quality improvement methods to support iterative development to test and evaluate interventions in clinical care is essential for the delivery of high-quality and high-value care in a financially constrained environment. However, in the field of quality and safety improvement, strategies for implementing evidence-based medicine require an evidence base of their own, unlike in other medical disciplines [ 50 ]. Progress in researching quality improvement requires an understanding of the factors driving provider and organizational change. Moreover, possible elements affecting the results of research when implemented in practice, such as organizational factors and human features related to both professionals and patients, have to be considered. Additionally, research into patient safety improvement and its implementation requires looking at the healthcare system as a whole, including professionals, patients, and features of facilities.

Once an intervention to improve safety has been developed, the next step should be a pilot study to confirm that it works or, in other words, a Phase I of clinical studies [ 51 ]. The pilot study should start from a study design that includes the formulation of the hypothesis, the method of sampling the population involved in the study, the choice of and correlations between dependent and independent variables, and the analysis and reporting of results. It is important to ensure that the interpretations and explanations of the efficacy and value of interventions adopted to manage specific patient safety issues are shareable.

Researchers and clinicians working on patient safety improvement should take into consideration the following: how to carry out this particular type of research; if it is correct to consider just a sample or the whole population of patients; what techniques to use in data collection and observation processes; and how to describe the data. All of these elements are essential to support the hypothesis of the study, and to give credibility to both the research methodology adopted and the conclusions of the trial. This kind of research is needed to produce informative, reliable, and evidence-based conclusions that ultimately lead to, from a wider point of view, a change of perspective. To be precise, the aim is to switch the focus from the statistics on patient injuries, damages, and claims, to data derived from clinical trials. Ultimately, the purpose of collecting this data is to propose actions and solutions to deal with the lack of safety in healthcare organizations, and medical treatments.

Empirically-derived models are needed to inform decisions to select specific implementation strategies, based on clinical features of the quality target, organizational or social context, and relevant attitudes and beliefs of providers and patients. These models thereby contribute to improvements to quality and the value of the services delivered, and so help to reduce dramatic statistics that can overshadow the vision of a safer healthcare system. It must be noted that although the iterative development of change (PDSA cycle) is the most validated model to improve quality and safety, no single quality improvement tool can absolutely be considered the best. Preferences depend on the skills of professionals and the type of setting which means choosing one method over another for an organization can be difficult.

The choice of the model is an important decision as it can involve serious risks and costly consequences for healthcare organizations. The integration and adaptation of different models to healthcare settings is generally preferable to choosing only one model. However, the problem is that no formal criteria for evaluating the application or reporting of PDSA cycles currently exist. It is only in recent years, through SQUIRE guidelines, that frameworks for publication that explicitly describe PDSA applications have been developed [ 52 , 53 ]. Such frameworks are necessary to support and assess the effective application of PDSA cycles and to increase their legitimacy as a scientific method for improvement.

1.5. Working Towards Producing Guidelines That Improve Safety Practices

As documents that synthesize current evidence on how to most effectively organize and deliver health services for a given condition [ 54 ], guidelines inform healthcare decision-making and can serve as a basis for policy, planning, evaluation, and quality improvement. “Working towards producing guidelines that improve safety practices” means developing structured processes to write, update, and apply guidelines. The most important element to take into account is the methodology. Consequently, it is fundamental to have a plan that is divided into different steps and that can be summarized as a checklist. In fact, a checklist for developing guidelines should contain a comprehensive list of topics and items outlining the practical steps to consider. The checklist is intended for use by guideline developers to plan and track the process of guideline development and to help ensure that no key steps are missed. Following the steps outlined in the checklist ensures that key items are covered and increases the likelihood of the guideline achieving higher scores when evaluated with credibility assessment tools. Checklists for developing guidelines can be combined with guideline credibility assessment tools like AGREE 1 (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) [ 55 ] and other tools that may reflect standards established by the Guidelines International Network 2 (GIN) [ 56 ] or Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Organization, budget, planning, and training . These involve outlining a detailed plan describing what is feasible, how it will be achieved, and what resources will be required to produce and use the guideline. The plan should define a specific completion date and be expressed in formal, measurable terms.

Priority setting. This refers to the identification, balancing, and ranking of priorities by stakeholders. Priority setting ensures that resources and attention are devoted to those general areas where healthcare recommendations will provide the greatest benefit to the population, jurisdiction, or country, e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and prevention. A priority-setting approach needs to contribute to future plans while responding to existing, potentially difficult circumstances.

Guideline group membership. This defines who is involved and in what capacity, how the members are selected, and in which steps of the development of the guidelines each of them will participate.

Establishing guideline group processes. This defines the steps to be followed, how those involved will interact, and how decisions will be made.

Identifying target audience and topic selection. This involves defining the potential users or beneficiaries of the guidelines and defining the topics to be covered in the guideline (e.g., the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Beneficiary and other stakeholder involvement. This describes how relevant people or groups who are not necessarily members of the panel (e.g., as the beneficiaries or users) will be affected by the guidelines and involved in their development.

Conflict of interest considerations. This focuses on defining and managing the potential divergence between an individual’s interests and his or her professional obligations. These considerations lead to questions about whether actions or decisions are motivated by gain, such as financial, academic advancement, clinical revenue streams, or community standing. Financial, intellectual, or other relationships that may affect an individual’s or organization’s ability to approach a scientific question with an open mind are included.

Question generation. This focuses on defining key questions the recommendations should address using the PICO (patient/problem, intervention, comparison, outcome) framework, including the detailed population, intervention (including diagnostic tests and strategies), and outcomes that will be relevant in decision-making (e.g., in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should test A or treatments B, C, D, or E be used?).

Considering the importance of outcomes and interventions, values, preferences, and advantages. This includes integrating how those affected by recommendations should assess the possible consequences into the process of developing guidelines. These considerations can include: (a) patient, caregiver, and healthcare provider knowledge, attitudes, expectations, moral and ethical values, and beliefs; (b) patient goals for life and health; (c) prior experience with the intervention and the condition; (d) symptoms experienced, e.g., breathlessness, pain, dyspnea, weight loss; (e) preferences relating to and importance of desirable and undesirable outcomes; (f) perceived impact of the condition or interventions on quality of life, well-being, or satisfaction; (g) interactions between the work of implementing the intervention, the intervention itself, and patient experiences; (h) preferences for alternative courses of action; and finally, (i) preferences relating to communication content and styles, information and involvement in decision-making and care.

Deciding what evidence to include and searching for evidence. This focuses on outlining inclusion and exclusion criteria based on types of evidence (e.g., rigorous research or anecdotes), study designs, characteristics of the population, interventions, and comparators. It also covers deciding how the evidence will be identified and obtained, which should not be limited to evidence about values and preferences, local data and resources.

Summarizing evidence and considering additional information. This focuses on presenting evidence in a synthetic format (e.g., tables or brief narratives) to facilitate the development and understanding of recommendations. It also involves identifying and considering additional information relevant to the question under consideration.

Judging quality, strength, or certainty of a body of evidence . This consists of assessing the confidence one can place in the evidence obtained by transparently evaluating the research (individual- and group studies) and other evidence applying structured approaches. This may include, but is not limited to, evidence about baseline risk or burden of disease, the importance of outcomes and interventions, values, preferences, benefits and drawbacks, use of resources (e.g., finance), estimates of effects, and accuracy of diagnostic tests.

Developing recommendations and determining their strength. Developing recommendations involves the use of a structured analytical framework and a transparent and systematic process to integrate the factors that influence a recommendation. Determining the strength of the recommendations refers to judgments about how confident a guideline panel is that the implementation of a recommendation will exert a greater number of desirable consequences than undesirable ones.

Wording of recommendations and of considerations about implementation, feasibility, and equity. This refers to choosing syntax and formulations that facilitate the understanding and implementation of the recommendations, accounting for the views of the guideline panel.

Reporting and peer review. Reporting refers to how a guideline will be made public (e.g., print, online). Peer review refers to how the guideline document will be reviewed before its publication and how it can be assessed (e.g., for errors), both internally and externally, by stakeholders who were not members of the guideline development group.

Dissemination and implementation. This focuses on strategies to make relevant groups aware of the guidelines and to enhance their uptake (e.g., publications and tools such as mobile applications).

Evaluation and use. This refers to formal and informal strategies that allow the evaluation of (a) the guidelines as a process and product; (b) their use or uptake, or both; and (c) their impact and whether or not they will lead to improvements in patient or population health or other consequences.

Updating. This refers to how and when a guideline will require revision because of changes in the evidence or other factors that influence the recommendations.

Is there enough evidence to make recommendations?

How should we apply recommendations to individual patients?

With respect to the evidence to make recommendations, guideline development tools have, since their inception in 2003, increasingly included the GRADE approach [ 58 – 60 ]. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was created by the eponymous working group ( www.gradeworkinggroup.org ), which is a collaborative project, consisting mainly of methodologists and clinicians. It provides a framework for assessing the quality (or “certainty”) of the evidence supporting, inter alia, guideline recommendations and therefore their resulting strength [ 61 ]. Essentially, GRADE classifies recommendations as “strong” when a specific, recommended intervention or management strategy would be chosen, on reasonable grounds, by a majority of patients, clinicians, or policymakers in all care scenarios. In contrast, such recommendations would be classified as “weak” when there is a reasonable range of choices, reflecting the following possible factors: limited evidence quality, uncertain benefit-harm ratios, uncertainty regarding treatment effects, questionable cost-effectiveness, or variability in values and preferences [ 62 ]. Further, the GRADE evidence-to-decision framework helps guideline developers to structure their process and evaluation of available evidence [ 59 ]. Nonetheless, a trade-off between methodological rigor and pragmatism is required [ 63 , 64 ].

Concerning the issue of applying recommendations to individual patients, it has been observed that practices from guidelines vary considerably and translating guidelines into practice can fail to close gaps that have been identified, both in the scope and the follow-up of interventions [ 65 ]. Education for professionals and/or patients is a good strategy to ensure the implementation of guidelines. Nonetheless, another substantial influence on the ability to implement guidelines is how their implementation has already been built into the guideline development process. The planning of implementation provides a set of concrete, actionable steps to take during the implementation phase [ 66 , 67 ]. The central elements of successful implementation approaches appear in: their target-oriented dissemination, education and training, social interaction, decision support systems and routine procedures, thereby tailoring implementation strategies to settings and target groups [ 68 ]. To assist guideline developers regarding implementation, a tool with context-specific implementability features for the whole guideline process has been developed [ 69 ].

Further, clinicians must balance the risks and benefits of any guideline recommendation for an individual patient and consider that patient’s preferences. If the patient does not adhere to care recommendations, health benefits will not be maximized or perhaps even realized. Clinical decisions should be based on guideline recommendations, but all decisions must be individualized according to a patient’s risk-benefit ratio and incorporate patient preferences through shared decision-making. Clinician leadership in quality improvement efforts and administrative support are key drivers of quality and safety improvement through care-integrated tools and aligned incentives aimed at achieving meaningful guideline implementation.

One of the most prominent developments in the area of guideline implementation in recent years has been the increased utilization of information technologies to facilitate: (a) push mechanisms for guideline adherence, such as decision support components integrated into clinical management software, for example, alerts, reminders, or routine procedures [ 70 ]; (b) the use of guidelines at the bedside, available on, for example, mobile guideline apps; (c) the faster and potentially real-time updating of individual guideline recommendations as new evidence emerges, for example, by adding “living guidelines” [ 71 , 72 ]. Observational data is necessary to describe current health provision and its quality, pinpoint potential patient groups that are adequately covered by guideline recommendations, and identify gaps and issues to be resolved by clinical research. This data is also vital for identifying late onset treatment harms and drug safety issues.

1.6. The Challenges of Improving Safety and the Current Limits of Guidelines

Guidelines are expected to be focused on broad and complex topics, on developing standards to guide healthcare organizations, on providing best practice recommendations for patient care, and on informing the clinical decision-making of health professionals. Successfully incorporating all of these factors into features of guidelines is particularly difficult in today’s age of complexity and multimorbidity. This is an age which is also characterized by the desire for personalized medicine and the ambition to push the frontiers of modernization, for example, by introducing artificial intelligence into health care. Thus, beyond the methodological quality of the guideline itself, there are many relevant aspects which represent challenges or limits to take into account regarding guidelines and their applicability.

The first challenge is to improve the effectiveness of a guideline—especially regarding how it improves the safety of care—while also focusing on patient-centeredness; this principle consists of (a) properly taking into account the needs and preferences of patients and of their caregivers and (b) supporting professionals in improving their practice. These dimensions are fundamental to the delivery of care and to patient outcomes as well [ 73 – 75 ]. Patient-centeredness constitutes a more recent focus of the discussion around the development and use of guidelines [ 76 ]. Guidelines can facilitate patient education, engagement, and shared decision-making, thus assuring that individual patient values are balanced against the desired outcomes, which are embedded in the trials that form the basis of guideline recommendations. Different modalities of patient involvement exist in different contexts. The two most studied ones are (a) patient group representatives, who are sometimes involved in the guideline development process and (b) guideline documents, which are increasingly produced in different formats for practitioners and patients [ 77 – 81 ].

Another challenge is related to the speed with which medical knowledge progresses and the pace of knowledge production at the primary research level. Guideline recommendations are expected to be kept up to date but a relatively recent, comprehensive review of this issue [ 82 ], concluded that 1 in 5 recommendations is out of date 3 years after being launched and that longer updating intervals are potentially too long. Additionally, the development and updating of clinical guidelines represents a challenge because of the speed and resources required for producing and especially updating them. Approaches that can result in efficient and potentially real-time updating of guideline recommendations as new evidence emerges have been discussed, particularly in the form of living systematic reviews and living guidelines [ 71 , 83 – 85 ].

With regard to limitations, there are different aspects to consider. Maybe the most restrictive limitation regards the evaluation of the costs of the guideline development process, compared with the effectiveness of guidelines, once they are implemented. This limitation particularly relates to the use (or under-use) of cost-effectiveness analyses as a part of the development process of clinical guidelines and their related challenges or opportunities [ 86 ]. A comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis should cover the costs of the development and of the guideline dissemination/implementation processes, and the change in the effectiveness of health service by putting the guideline into practice. However, data on the costs of guideline development is scarce and, given the vast variability of settings and practices, likely not generalizable [ 87 ]. As has been already pointed out [ 88 ], only 27% of 200 studies on guideline implementation strategies (of which only 11 were from Europe) had some data on cost and only 4 (2%) provided data on development and implementation. Most of the relevant studies only partially accounted for the costs incurred in the process of guideline production. In some contexts, active implementation seemed to require a substantial upfront investment compared to general dissemination practices. Furthermore, the results regarding optimized processes of care and improved patient outcomes were not sufficient to render them cost-effective [ 89 , 90 ].

Another relevant limitation is that the concept of a guideline-based quality indicator framework has so far been inadequately elaborated, despite the fact that performance measurement sustains the relationship between clinical guidelines and healthcare data. More and more guideline groups have developed quality indicators along with sets of recommendations [ 91 ]. Usually, these indicators are primarily intended as general performance measures. However, a closer look at measurement results can provide insights into the extent to which practice reflects guideline recommendations. In other words, the indicators inform us on the extent of guideline adherence, and consequently feed into how they are shaped. Moreover, an overview of country-specific practices [ 5 ] clearly demonstrates how divergent guideline practices can be, especially when viewed as strategies for the improvement of healthcare quality. The context-specific nature of guidelines persists, despite their adaptability to the practices of different countries. In the past, the quality of clinical guidelines was narrowly defined according to how closely recommendations were linked to scientific and clinical evidence [ 92 ]; however more recently, researchers have explicitly addressed the question of whether guidelines should be systematically pilot-tested in care delivery settings before being finalized [ 93 ].

Switching the focus to how guidelines are implemented, newer studies have shown mixed results regarding the effect of guidelines on outcomes but established a clear link between implementation modalities and patient outcomes [ 94 – 97 ]. Barriers to the adoption of or adherence to guidelines by clinicians have been discussed in the literature. Substantial gaps were found in the evidence on the effectiveness of implementation interventions, especially regarding clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and contributory contextual issues [ 98 ]. Barriers included time constraints, limited staffing resources, clinician skepticism, clinician knowledge of guidelines, and the age of the clinician. The characteristics of guidelines, such as format, resources, and end-user involvement, were identified as facilitating factors, along with stakeholder involvement, leadership support, and organizational culture (including multidisciplinary teams and electronic guidelines systems).

Beyond challenges and limits, there is the issue of editorial independence in clinical guideline development. Implementing guideline recommendations that have been created in irregular conditions is not only ethically questionable but may also endanger quality of care, as the content may not actually reflect best available evidence. To give an example of irregular conditions, an international survey of 29 institutions involved in clinical guideline development found variability in the content and accessibility of conflict of interest policies; some institutions did not have publicly available policies and, of the policies available, several did not clearly report critical steps in obtaining, managing, and communicating disclosure of relationships of interest [ 99 ]. While financial conflicts of interest seem to have been adequately disclosed in the most rigorously developed guidelines, active management of existing conflicts of interest has lagged behind [ 100 – 103 ]. Beyond measures to address direct financial conflicts of interest, the management of indirect conflicts of interest is also important in guideline development. Such indirect conflicts can include issues related to academic advancement, clinical revenue streams, community standing, and engagement in academic activities that foster an attachment to a specific point of view [ 104 ]. Ensuring that guidelines are developed on the basis of robust consensus processes by a multidisciplinary panel can contribute to mitigating the effects of such conflicts [ 105 ].

Systematically developed, evidence-based clinical guidelines are in widespread use as a strategy to improve the quality of healthcare services and consequently the safety of care. However, the rigor of their development, their mode of implementation, and the evaluation of their impacts should be improved in many settings to enable their goal of achieving safer healthcare practices. One of the most important knowledge gaps in this respect is the extent to which guidelines affect patient outcomes and how this effect can be enhanced to ensure better care. For that purpose, both quantitatively measured parameters and patient experience should be taken into account. Today, technology and clinical decision support solutions are readily available to help transform research into practice and recommendations. These solutions take clinically approved best practice guidelines and match them with each patient to provide a recommended and customized care pathway for optimal outcomes. They can also be configured to meet the needs of each organization, taking into consideration local needs and practices [ 8 ].

1.7. Recommendations

The improvement of patient safety should be based on evidence-based recommendations included in well-developed guidelines, which should in turn be rigorously implemented in clinical practice as the best safety practice.

More scientific research into healthcare quality and safety improvement is needed, the results and effectiveness of which should be shared across the scientific community worldwide.

To face the challenges of a changing healthcare sector in today’s age of multi-morbidities, tutors, researchers, caregivers, and patients should work together to address the current limits of clinical guidelines.

The AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) Collaboration developed the most commonly used instrument to assess the quality of a guideline. The instrument comprises 23 criteria grouped in six domains (addressed by the AGREE II): scope and purpose; stakeholder involvement; rigor of development; clarity and presentation; applicability; and editorial independence.

The work of the Guidelines International Network ( http://www ​.g-i-n.net/ ) promotes the dissemination of guideline-related content and provides an exchange platform for guideline developers and users. Further, the GIN provides reporting guidance for guideline-based performance measurement tools.

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

• Cite this Page Ricciardi W, Cascini F. Guidelines and Safety Practices for Improving Patient Safety. 2020 Dec 15. In: Donaldson L, Ricciardi W, Sheridan S, et al., editors. Textbook of Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2021. Chapter 1. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-59403-9_1
• PDF version of this page (352K)

In this Page

• Introduction
• The Need to Understand Guidelines Before Improving Safety
• The Current Patient Safety Picture and the Demandfor Guidelines
• Implementing the Research on Patient Safety to Improve Clinical Practice
• Working Towards Producing Guidelines That Improve Safety Practices
• The Challenges of Improving Safety and the Current Limits of Guidelines
• Recommendations

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As schools reopen, it’s important that precautions are taken both inside and outside the classroom to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This article aims to support teachers with information and tips on:

• Physical distancing at school
• Practicing health and hand hygiene  
• Cleaning and disinfecting tips for the classroom  
• Actions to take if a student appears sick

A key lesson learned during the pandemic is the important role teachers play in ensuring that learning continues. As schools reopen, a lot will depend on teachers to ensure that children will be able to continue their education in a safe and healthy environment; and make up for knowledge and skills that may have been lost.

As a teacher, knowing the facts will not only protect yourself but also your students. Be aware of fake information and dangerous myths about COVID-19 circulating that are feeding fear and stigma. 

Some of your students might be returning to school from households where they heard false information about COVID-19. You will need to educate them on the facts. 

Understanding COVID-19, how it spreads and how we can protect ourselves and others is an important first step in establishing classroom procedures and protocols. Students need to understand what it is in order for them to follow the rules. Listen to their concerns and ideas and answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner. Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain that these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation.

Teachers need to be protected from transmission of COVID-19 in the community to keep schools open. Teachers are therefore encouraged, and should be prioritized, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 once frontline health personnel and high-risk populations are vaccinated. Though vaccination against COVID-19 should not be a requirement for school reopening and in-person learning, COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective tools for preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19.

> Read:  What you need to know before, during and after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine

Make sure to use information about COVID-19 from reliable sources such as UNICEF and WHO, as well as the health authorities in your country. By staying informed about the situation and following the recommendations of public health experts, we can protect our own wellbeing and those around us.

Physical distancing at schools

When it comes to physical distancing, it is important that you establish some classroom ground rules in accordance with the procedures established by your school’s administration, as well as the protocols established by your respective country’s Ministry of Health and/or local health bodies and authorities. Recommended measures include:

• Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre between everyone present at school
• Increase desk spacing (at least 1 metre between desks), stagger recesses/breaks and lunch breaks (if difficult, one alternative is to have lunch at desks)
• Limit the mixing of classes for school and after-school activities. For example, students in a class will stay in one classroom throughout the day, while teachers move between classrooms; or classes could use different entrances, if available, or establish an order for each class to enter and leave the building/classroom
• Stagger the school day to vary the start and end times and avoid having all the students and teachers together at once 
• Consider increasing the number of teachers, if possible, to allow for fewer students per classroom (if space is available)
• Advise against crowding during school pick-up or day care, and if possible avoid pick up by older family or community members (i.e. grandparents). Arrange school pick up/drop off times differently (according to age group) to decrease any large gatherings of children at a given time
• Use signs, ground markings, tape, barriers and other means to maintain 1 metre distance in queues around entrances
• Discuss how to manage physical education and sports lessons
• Move lessons outdoors or ventilate rooms as much as possible
• Encourage students not to gather and socialize in big groups upon leaving school grounds.

To encourage your students to stick to the rules, it can be helpful to create a dos and dont’s list with them. Develop a list together around how students will greet each other; how desks will be arranged; physical distancing measures during lunch breaks (who they will sit with, play with during breaks, how they can schedule time with all of their friends across the week).

Health and hand hygiene

Teachers have a critical role to play in ensuring students understand the precautions they should take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, and it is important you lead by example in the classroom.

Handwashing is one of easiest, more cost efficient and effective way of combating the spread of germs and keeping students and staff healthy.

Teach the five steps for handwashing

• Wet hands with safe, running water
• Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
• Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including backs of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds. You can encourage students to sing a quick song at this point to make it a fun habit
• Rinse thoroughly with running water
• Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel.

If there is limited access to a sink, running water or soap in the school, then use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol.

Did you know? Cold water and warm water are equally effective at killing germs and viruses – as long as you use soap!

> Read:  Everything you need to know about washing your hands to protect against coronavirus (COVID-19)

Encourage students to get into the practice of regularly washing their hands and/or applying hand sanitizers at key moments, such as entering and leaving the classroom; touching surfaces, learning materials, books, and after using a tissue to blow their nose.

Students should always cough and/or sneeze into their elbow. However, if by accident they do so in/on their hands, instruct them to immediately wash their hands or apply hand sanitizer. If students sneeze or cough into a tissue, ensure that it is disposed of immediately and that they wash their hands. It is extremely important to normalize the idea of frequent and routine handwashing.

Even with clean hands, encourage students to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can transfer from those areas on to their clean hands and spread around the classroom this way.

Reinforce frequent handwashing and sanitation and procure needed supplies. Prepare and maintain handwashing stations with soap and water, and if possible, place alcohol-based hand sanitizers in each classroom, at entrances and exits, and near lunchrooms and toilets.  

Identify some practical steps/activities you can take to demonstrate good hygiene practices to your students. Examples include:

• Creating a hand hygiene song to sing with your students
• Have students draw hygiene posters for the classroom
• Set a hand hygiene ritual. You can select a specific time during the day, such as before/after lunchtime for everyone to wash their hands/apply hand sanitizer
• Physically demonstrate how to wash your hands and apply sanitizer
• Keep a points system in your classroom, giving points to students each time they wash their hands or apply sanitizer
• Have students create a public service announcement on hand hygiene and place these posters/ announcements throughout the classroom or school in highly visible places 

Mask wearing in schools

If wearing masks is recommended in your school, then make sure your students are familiar with when they should wear masks and any related school policies, such as how to dispose of used masks safely to avoid the risk of contaminated masks in classrooms and playgrounds. 

Explore with your students how to handle and store masks properly . 

All efforts should be made to ensure the use of a mask does not interfere with learning. No children should be denied access to education because of mask wearing or the lack of a mask because of low resources or unavailability.

If you have students with disabilities, such as hearing loss or auditory problems in your class, then consider how these children may miss learning opportunities because of the degraded speech signal stemming from mask wearing, the elimination of lipreading and speaker expressions and physical distancing. Adapted masks to allow lipreading (e.g. clear masks) or use of face shields may be explored as an alternative to fabric masks.

Cleaning and disinfecting

Information on how to maintain the cleanliness and sanitization of your classroom.

Daily cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, taps, phones and toys. Immediately clean surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled. If surfaces or objects are soiled with body fluids or blood, use gloves and other standard precautions to avoid coming into contact with the fluid. Remove the spill, and then clean and disinfect the surface.  

Tips for staff using cleaning materials

• Ensure you understand all instruction labels and understand safe and appropriate use
• Follow the instructions on the labels
• Cleaning products and disinfectants often call for the use of gloves or eye protection. For example, gloves should always be worn to protect your hands when working with bleach solutions
• Do not mix cleaners and disinfectants unless the labels indicate it is safe to do so. Combining certain products (such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners) can result in serious injury or death
• Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface
• Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 0.5%. Ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on coloured clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection
• Household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser
• Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.  
• Come up with some fun and creative ideas and rules with your students for avoiding high-risk and high-touch areas in their school/classroom. For example, not touching the railing while walking up and down the stairs, or keeping classroom doors open to avoid touching door-knobs
• Come up with some rules together as a group and write these down on a flipchart paper that you can later hang up in the classroom
• Create fun reminders/posters that can be hung in the hallways to remind others to stick to the sanitation rules.

Actions to take if one of your students appears to be sick

Identifying covid-19 symptoms.

The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, confusion, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin rashes.  

School preparations and what to do if one of your students displays any of the symptoms

• Designate a specific area in the school (i.e. near the entrance) as a waiting room where children can wait. Ideally, this room should be well-ventilated. If there are school nurses available, it is recommended that they are designated staff in this waiting area. If students feel ill and/or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, they should wait in the designated room to be picked up by their parents/caregiver. Afterwards, the room should be cleaned, disinfected and sanitized
• Provide the sick student with a medical mask if available
• Consider daily screening for body temperature, and history of fever or feeling feverish in the previous 24 hours, on entry into the building for all staff, students and visitors to identify persons who are sick 
• Ensure a procedure for separating sick students and staff from those who are well – without creating stigma – and a process for informing parents, and consulting with health care providers/ health authorities wherever possible
• Students/ staff may need to be referred directly to a health facility, depending on the situation/ context, or sent home
• Encourage all students to stay home and self-isolate should they feel ill
• Develop a standard of operation if temperature screening is required
• Share procedures with parents and students ahead of time.

There have been several reports of children acquiring a multisystem inflammatory condition, which is possibly linked with COVID-19. If you notice any rash, hypertension, or acute gastrointestinal problems in your students, it could be an indication that they are experiencing multisystem inflammatory syndrome and should seek medical attention immediately.  

Create your own infection control plan. What actionable steps do you take if a student reports feeling ill during the school day? Consider all possible steps you can take from the moment they tell you.

< Back to UNICEF COVID-19 portal  

This article is based on Ready to Come Back: Teacher Preparedness Training Package

Related resources  

• Framework for reopening schools
• WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO Considerations for school-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19  

This article was originally published on 20 September 2020. It was last updated on 14 September 2021.

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Ensuring School Safety: The Importance of Comprehensive Protocols

By: Brandon Haskell • July 24, 2023

In recent years, school safety has become a paramount concern for educators, parents, and students alike. At The Harley School, an independent Nursery through Grade 12 school in Rochester NY, we are entrusted with the well-being of every child that attends. For us, and every other school around the country, our number one priority is creating peace-of-mind for parents, employees, and students and to assure them that they remain safe from any dangers while on school grounds.

The need to provide a secure and nurturing environment for learning has prompted educational institutions worldwide to implement robust safety protocols. These protocols aim to prevent and respond effectively to potential threats, creating a learning atmosphere free of fear or distraction.

Threat Assessment and Prevention

A crucial aspect of school safety protocols is the implementation of threat assessment and prevention measures. Adopting proactive strategies help identify potential risks and appropriate actions to mitigate them. Regular threat assessments need to be conducted involving collaboration among school administrators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.

This multidisciplinary approach enables the early identification of potential threats, including bullying, violence, or psychological issues. Comprehensive prevention efforts not only minimize potential threats but also foster an environment of trust and support.

Enhanced Physical Security

To ensure school safety, it is crucial to establish robust physical security measures. This includes controlled access points, security cameras, and visitor management systems. Restricting access helps prevent unauthorized individuals from entering, reducing the risk of intruders or other external threats.

Furthermore, conducting regular and flexible safety drills and providing emergency procedure training to staff and students are vital to a comprehensive safety protocol. We follow New York State requirements for lockdown and evacuation. Additionally, we have increased our focus on our Reunification procedures. This preparedness equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond swiftly and effectively during critical situations.

Standard Response Protocol

Perhaps the most widely executed protocols for crisis response and post-crisis reunification are those laid out by the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), set up by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. Created in response to the 2006 Platte Canyon High School shooting, the SRP is used in more than 40,000 schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations, and communities world-wide. The five building blocks are created through research-based best practices of school administrators, psychologists, public space safety experts, families, and first responders:

These simple, yet effective, actions standardize communication and procedures during critical incidents. Implementing these protocols ensures consistent responses and streamlined communication during different emergency scenarios, allowing for a more efficient and coordinated response.

Introducing the SRP at Harley launched a complete rewrite of our emergency operations plan and standardized our approach to safety. In fact, the SRP’s drill evaluation research helped point out where weaknesses existed and figured prominently in our decision to install a completely new PA system and additional emergency communication tools.

This past year, we created a 12-member Crisis Response Team with designated member alternates. Its structure is based on the principles of the Incident Command System, a widely recognized framework for effective emergency management. Working hand-in-glove with the Safety Committee, its purpose is to execute the Emergency Operations Plan, coordinate emergency services, and provide timely information and support to students, staff, and families. During its first year, the team worked to understand and practice each of their specific roles. Monthly meetings address current activities, research, and lessons learned from other schools, locally and nationally.

With the SRP also came a network of resources training and important guidance and information including proper drill evaluation. A lockdown drill isn't any good without examining and analyzing successes and shortcomings. Knowing and acting on that information results in a school’s ability to shore up any vulnerabilities and improve responses the next time.

Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are essential elements of any school safety protocol. Establishing clear lines of communication among school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community stakeholders is crucial for sharing information, reporting concerns, and coordinating emergency responses.

Mid-year into our new safety initiatives, I implemented a safety climate survey for students in grades 5-12, faculty, and staff. Respondents rated their responses on a 1-5 scale. Questions included:

● I feel adequately trained on school safety policies and procedures

● I know what to do during a lockdown (this question was asked for each of the five response protocols)

● Overall, how safe do you feel in your classrooms? (also asked for school grounds and school community)

● Overall, how satisfied are you with the school's safety policies?

For the most part, respondents were pleased with our new initiatives. On the lockdown and evacuation questions, everyone felt very prepared. A survey highlight—in line with research, and not surprising—is that protocols yielding the highest preparedness level are those requiring both verbal training and physical drilling. Additional survey outcomes prompted us to add initiatives for additional types of drills this coming year. Modern technology plays a vital role in facilitating communication during emergencies. Mass notification systems, mobile apps, or digital platforms enable schools to disseminate critical information quickly to all relevant parties, ensuring a rapid and coordinated response. Forging partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and community organizations enhances overall school safety. In the upcoming year, our Crisis Response Team will focus on implementing dedicated communications software, including robocalls, text messages, and other approaches according to best practices.

Mental Health Support

Promoting and prioritizing mental health support is an integral part of comprehensive school safety protocols. Mental health issues can significantly impact student well-being and potentially lead to behavioral problems or violence. Harley’s Wellness Team and Trauma, Illness, and Grief Team include members of the Safety Committee and Crisis Response Team, as well as our Counseling Team is well-versed in assisting students needing extra support during or after an incident.

Making the System Work

Comprehensive school safety protocols encompass a range of strategies and initiatives aimed at creating secure and nurturing learning environments. However, as good as our systems are, we can’t “purchase” safety and security. The system is only as good as the people who use it. Schools need buy-in from all their constituents to ensure the highest level of success. Our journey this past year to build a new safety program, create a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan, and adopt the SRP has been transformative. It has prompted continual conversation and awareness within our school community, assuring parents, staff, and students, that their well-being is our biggest priority.

About the author

Branden Haskell is the Director of Safety and Facilities Coordinator for The Harley School in Rochester, NY. He develops, implements, and manages programs designed to effectively address security and school safety needs, and is responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating a comprehensive school safety program. Through his leadership, the school culture is becoming more safety-aware and proactive in their approach.

About The Harley School Founded in 1917, The Harley School is a nationally recognized, independent school in Rochester, NY, offering an innovative and demanding college preparatory program for approximately 515 students in Nursery through Grade 12. Across the curriculum, faculty guide students through idea-driven exploration and problem solving, cultivating curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning. Taking a balanced approach to academic disciplines, the arts, and athletics, Harley teaches critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and civic responsibility. Harley's motto, and hope for each student, is "Become What Thou Art.”

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How to Protect Yourself and Others

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance  provides strategies you can use to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. These actions can help you lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission (spreading or catching COVID-19) and lower the risk of severe illness if you get sick.

Core Prevention Strategies

CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies to protect themselves and others from COVID-19:

• Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.
• Practice good hygiene  (practices that improve cleanliness)
• Take steps for cleaner air

When you are sick:

• Learn when you can go back to your normal activities .
• Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness . Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.

Additional Prevention Strategies

In addition, there are other prevention strategies that you can choose to further protect yourself and others.

• Wearing a mask and putting distance between yourself and others  can help lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
• Testing for COVID-19 can help you decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps  to lower your chances of spreading COVID-19 to others.

Key Times for Prevention

Using these prevention strategies can be especially helpful when:

• Respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, are causing a lot of illness in your community
• You or those around you have risk factors  for severe illness
• You or those around you were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering

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Short Essay: Safety First

A couple of short essay examples about safety first.

Table of Contents

Safety First Essay Example 1

Safety has always been an integral part of our lives, and it should be a top priority in any workplace or activity. It is essential to ensure that everyone involved in any activity is safe and secure from any potential harm. Accidents and injuries can occur anytime, anywhere, and they can be extremely harmful. Therefore, it is necessary to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. In this essay, we will discuss the importance of safety in any workplace or activity and how proper training, equipment, and safety regulations can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Importance of Safety should always be a top priority in any workplace or activity. It is essential to ensure that everyone involved in any activity is safe and secure from any potential harm. Accidents and injuries can occur anytime, anywhere, and they can be extremely harmful. Therefore, it is necessary to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. In any workplace, safety should be a part of the culture, and all employees should be trained to follow safety guidelines. It is essential to make sure that everyone understands the importance of safety and how it can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Proper training and equipment can help prevent accidents and injuries. In any workplace or activity, it is essential to provide adequate training to all employees and individuals involved. Proper training will help them understand the potential risks and hazards involved in the activity, and it will help them take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, providing proper equipment and tools is equally important. Faulty or outdated equipment can be dangerous and can cause accidents and injuries. Therefore, it is essential to provide proper equipment and tools, and they should be regularly checked for any possible defects.

Safety regulations and guidelines should be followed to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. In any workplace or activity, there are specific safety regulations and guidelines that need to be followed. These regulations and guidelines are put in place to ensure the safety of all individuals involved in the activity. It is essential to follow these regulations and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, safety inspections should be conducted regularly to ensure that all safety guidelines are being followed. Any potential hazards and risks should be identified and addressed immediately.

In conclusion, safety should always be a top priority in any workplace or activity. It is essential to ensure that everyone involved in any activity is safe and secure from any potential harm. Proper training and equipment can help prevent accidents and injuries, and safety regulations and guidelines should be followed to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. It is essential to understand the importance of safety and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. By following safety guidelines and regulations, we can ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

Safety First Essay Example 2

Safety is an important aspect of our everyday lives, and it should always be given top priority. It involves taking proactive measures to prevent accidents and hazards in various settings. In order to ensure safety, it is crucial to identify potential hazards and take necessary precautions. Safety training and education also play a significant role in promoting safe practices. Workplace safety regulations and policies are essential to protecting employees and creating a safe work environment. This essay will discuss the various ways in which safety first can be achieved, including identifying potential hazards, safety training and education, and workplace safety regulations and policies.

Safety first requires identifying potential hazards and taking proactive measures to prevent accidents. Hazards can be found in various settings, including the workplace, home, and outdoors. In the workplace, hazards can include electrical hazards, chemical hazards, slips, trips, and falls, and machinery hazards. Identifying these hazards and taking necessary precautions can prevent accidents and promote safety. For example, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect workers from electrical and chemical hazards. Implementing safety measures such as non-slip flooring and proper signage can prevent slips, trips, and falls. Regular maintenance and inspection of machinery can prevent machinery hazards. By taking proactive measures, potential hazards can be prevented, and safety can be ensured.

Safety training and education can help individuals understand and follow safe practices in various settings. Safety training and education can include topics such as fire safety, first aid, and emergency response. In the workplace, safety training can help employees understand the hazards they may encounter and how to prevent accidents. For example, fire safety training can teach employees how to use fire extinguishers and how to evacuate in case of a fire. First aid training can teach employees how to respond to medical emergencies. In addition to workplace safety training and education can also be applied in other settings, such as at home and in outdoor activities. By understanding and following safe practices, accidents can be prevented, and safety can be ensured.

Workplace safety regulations and policies are important for protecting employees and promoting a safe work environment. Workplace safety regulations and policies can include topics such as hazard communication, lockout/tagout procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements. These regulations and policies are designed to protect employees from hazards and promote a safe work environment. For example, hazard communication regulations require employers to inform employees of potential hazards in the workplace and provide appropriate training. Lockout/tagout procedures require the isolation of energy sources during maintenance and repair to prevent accidental start-up. Personal protective equipment requirements require employers to provide and ensure the use of appropriate PPE. By following workplace safety regulations and policies, employees can be protected from hazards, and a safe work environment can be maintained.

In conclusion, safety first is crucial for preventing accidents and promoting safety in various settings. Identifying potential hazards and taking proactive measures to prevent them, safety training and education, and workplace safety regulations and policies are all important aspects of achieving safety first. By following these measures, accidents can be prevented, and safety can be ensured. It is important to always prioritize safety in all aspects of our lives.

Safety First Essay Example 3

Safety is an essential aspect of any workplace, and it should always be a top priority. Companies that prioritize safety have a better chance of preventing accidents and injuries among their employees. It is essential to implement safety measures, conduct regular inspections, and provide training to ensure that the workplace is safe for everyone. This essay will discuss three essential steps that employers can take to ensure safety in the workplace.

The first step to ensuring safety in the workplace is implementing safety measures such as wearing protective gear and following safety protocols. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in reducing the risk of injuries and accidents. Employers must provide their employees with the necessary PPE, such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, and safety boots. Employees should be trained on how to use the PPE correctly and be required to wear it at all times when working in hazardous environments. Safety protocols such as locking out machinery before maintenance and repair work can also help prevent workplace accidents.

The second step to ensuring safety in the workplace is conducting regular safety inspections and maintaining equipment and machinery. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards and ensure that equipment and machinery are functioning correctly. Employees should be trained on how to conduct safety inspections and report any issues that they identify immediately. Equipment and machinery should also be well-maintained to prevent breakdowns and accidents. Regular maintenance can help identify potential problems before they occur and ensure that equipment and machinery are functioning correctly.

The third step to ensuring safety in the workplace is educating employees and providing training on safety procedures. Educating employees on safety procedures can increase awareness and promote a culture of safety in the workplace. Employees should be trained on how to identify hazards, how to respond to emergencies, and how to use safety equipment correctly. Training should be provided regularly, and employees should be required to attend. Providing incentives for employees who prioritize safety can also help create a culture of safety in the workplace.

In conclusion, ensuring safety in the workplace is essential for the well-being of employees and the success of companies. Employers must prioritize safety by implementing safety measures, conducting regular inspections, and providing training to their employees. By taking these steps, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries and create a safer workplace for everyone.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

Essay on Safety Rules

Students are often asked to write an essay on Safety Rules in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Safety Rules

Introduction.

Safety rules are guidelines designed to keep us safe. They are essential in our daily lives, especially in places like school, home, and on the road.

Importance of Safety Rules

Safety rules protect us from harm. They ensure we avoid accidents and injuries. For example, traffic rules prevent accidents on roads.

Safety Rules at School

At school, safety rules include not running in corridors, using equipment correctly, and following fire drill procedures.

Safety Rules at Home

At home, safety rules may include not touching hot surfaces, keeping sharp objects out of reach, and not playing with electrical outlets.

Following safety rules helps us stay safe and prevent accidents. It is crucial to always remember and follow them.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Safety Rules

250 Words Essay on Safety Rules

Safety rules are a set of guidelines designed to protect individuals from potential harm or damage. They are particularly significant in maintaining order and preventing accidents in various environments such as workplaces, schools, and public areas.

The Importance of Safety Rules

Safety rules are indispensable as they play a crucial role in safeguarding human life and property. They act as preventive measures against potential hazards and accidents, thereby reducing the risk of injury or harm. For instance, traffic rules help control the movement of vehicles, significantly reducing road accidents.

Adherence to Safety Rules

For safety rules to be effective, strict adherence is necessary. Compliance ensures that the risk of accidents is minimized, fostering a secure environment. It is the collective responsibility of all individuals to follow these rules, as negligence can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Consequences of Ignoring Safety Rules

Ignoring safety rules can lead to severe consequences. It not only endangers one’s life but also puts others at risk. Violations can lead to legal repercussions, financial penalties, and even loss of life. Therefore, understanding and respecting safety rules is of paramount importance.

In conclusion, safety rules are a fundamental aspect of our lives, designed to protect us from potential harm. Strict adherence to these rules is essential for maintaining a safe and secure environment. As responsible citizens, we should always strive to respect and follow these guidelines to ensure our safety and that of others.

500 Words Essay on Safety Rules

Introduction to safety rules.

Safety rules are a set of guidelines designed to protect us from harm, injuries, and even death. They are the foundation of a safe and healthy environment in every aspect of our lives, whether at home, at work, on the road, or in public places. Safety rules are not just about physical safety, but also about maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Safety rules are of paramount importance as they help to prevent accidents and mishaps. They serve as a protective shield, saving individuals from potential dangers. For instance, traffic rules prevent accidents on roads, workplace safety rules prevent occupational hazards, and safety rules at home prevent domestic accidents. Moreover, they also play a crucial role in maintaining order and discipline in society.

Types of Safety Rules

There are several types of safety rules, each designed for specific situations.

Workplace Safety Rules

These rules are designed to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. They include guidelines for the use of machinery, handling of hazardous materials, fire safety, and proper ergonomics.

Home Safety Rules

These rules are aimed at preventing accidents at home, such as falls, fires, and poisoning. They include keeping floors and stairs clear of clutter, storing medicines and cleaning supplies out of children’s reach, and installing smoke detectors.

Traffic Safety Rules

These rules are designed to ensure safety on the roads. They include obeying traffic signals, wearing seat belts, not using mobile phones while driving, and following speed limits.

Role of Safety Rules in Risk Management

Safety rules are an integral part of risk management. They help identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement measures to mitigate them. Safety rules also ensure that in the event of an accident, the impact is minimal. They create a safety culture where everyone is aware of the risks and takes responsibility for their own and others’ safety.

The Consequences of Not Following Safety Rules

Ignoring safety rules can have severe consequences. It not only puts the person at risk but also others around them. Non-compliance can lead to accidents, injuries, legal issues, and even loss of life. It can also lead to financial losses due to damage to property and compensation claims.

In conclusion, safety rules are indispensable in our lives. They protect us from potential hazards and ensure our well-being. It is essential to understand and follow these rules for our own safety and for the safety of others. Ignoring them can lead to severe consequences. Thus, it is not just a personal responsibility but a societal one to adhere to safety rules at all times.

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