In the intricate landscape of healthcare operations, one of the paramount concerns is the well-being of staff, especially those working amidst the hazards of heavy machinery and vital systems like electricity and plumbing. Recognizing National Safety Month, Duke Health’s Engineering & Operations has stepped up to the plate with a creative twist on the traditional approach to workplace safety—a quiz that’s more than just a test of knowledge. The online safety quiz is engineered as both an educational pursuit and an engaging activity, with a sweetened pot in the form of a cookie raffle to entice staff participation. This inventive initiative is not merely about recollecting safety procedures but ensuring that the safety mindset is an intrinsic part of the daily workflow.
The Interactive Approach to Safety Training
The brainchild of this unique strategy is a collaborative effort between Duke’s Workers’ Compensation office and the Occupational & Environmental Safety Office (OESO). The safety quiz serves as the cornerstone of an overarching drive to bolster awareness of the latent risks that are woven into the tapestry of everyday tasks—a response underscored by the unsettling 5.7% rise in fatal work injuries in 2022, as highlighted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Beyond the stark numbers, there is a pressing need to address the common culprits of workplace mishaps, such as exposure to hazardous substances, physical overexertion, or the seemingly trivial yet perilous slips and trips.
Marking a departure from sterile and often ignored guidelines, Duke Health propels a positive learning atmosphere with the safety quiz, ensuring participation is rewarded, irrespective of the scores achieved. It’s a testament to the organization’s commitment that Tammy Sorrell, HR Director of the unit, not only promotes the quiz but is an eager participant herself, reinforcing the notion that safety extends beyond protocol—it’s part of Duke’s DNA. The tangible reward of a cookie raffle is simply the icing on the cake; the real prize is a safer work environment for all.
Leadership and Employee Engagement in Safety Culture
In the complex world of healthcare infrastructure, safeguarding the health and well-being of employees is a priority. These workers often face risks associated with operating heavy equipment, as well as critical services such as electrical and plumbing systems. In honor of National Safety Month, Duke Health’s Engineering & Operations team has innovatively modified conventional safety training by introducing an online quiz. However, this is not your average knowledge check. Designed to educate and captivate, the quiz serves as a fun learning experience. To encourage staff engagement, those who participate enter a raffle to win cookies. Duke Health’s fresh approach aims to weave a culture of safety into the very fabric of their staff’s day-to-day responsibilities. It’s a resourceful way to move beyond mere recollection of safety measures, instilling a seamless integration of safety awareness within the healthcare environment.
