In the hazardous and dynamic environment of the laboratory, precision and safety are paramount, and it is crucial to both understand and adhere to proper safety protocols. Despite comprehensive training and strict guidelines, lapses in safety practices still occur, and in many labs, these deviant behaviors are the norm. One powerful tool to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice is the sharing of personal stories about the consequences of laboratory injuries and exposures. This storytelling can enhance compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and it can even foster safer lab work practices.
Stories are a fundamental part of human communication. They resonate with us on a personal level, making abstract concepts tangible and memorable. In the context of laboratory safety, sharing real-life incidents of injuries and exposures can drive home the importance of following safety protocols in a way that theoretical training cannot.
Consider the case of a histology technician who suffered a severe laceration because they used their bare hand to handle a cutting blade as it was being replaced on the microtome. Hearing this technician’s account of the pain, the disruption to their work, and the long recovery process is far more impactful than a generic reminder to always use implements or cut-resistant gloves to handle blades. It personalizes the risk and underscores the real consequences of non-compliance.
Understanding the potential consequences of unsafe lab practices is vital. Many lab workers know the rules but might not fully appreciate the risks involved in breaking them. Let’s delve into three common unsafe practices and their possible repercussions.
Using Cell Phones in the Lab
The use of cell phones in the laboratory is a growing concern. Phones can be a source of distraction, but more importantly, they can harbor contaminants. Imagine a scenario where a lab worker uses their phone in a biohazard area. Pathogens from their gloved hands can transfer to the phone’s surface. Later, they use the same phone outside the lab without proper decontamination, potentially spreading harmful agents to themselves, colleagues, or even their family.
I recall a story from a colleague who witnessed a near-miss incident involving a phone. A technician was distracted by a text message and accidentally knocked over a beaker of caustic chemicals. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident was a wake-up call about the dangers of distractions in the lab. This story is one way to highlight the importance of keeping personal devices out of the laboratory environment.
Eating or Drinking in the Lab
Despite clear prohibitions, some lab workers still eat or drink in the lab, often thinking that it is harmless if they are careful. However, the risk of contamination is significant. A real-life example involved many lab workers who developed a serious gastrointestinal infection after unknowingly ingesting a pathogen that had contaminated their food. They had been eating at their workstations, where they also processed clinical specimens.
This case underscores the critical importance of designated eating areas and the strict separation of food and drink from laboratory activities. Sharing such stories can vividly illustrate the hidden dangers of complacency and reinforce the necessity of adhering to safety protocols.
Not Using PPE When Necessary
On the Hierarchy of Controls, PPE is the last line of defense against many laboratory hazards, yet some workers skip this vital protection for the sake of convenience or comfort. The consequences of such decisions can be severe. For instance, a lab worker handling corrosive chemicals without proper eye protection suffered a splash injury, leading to partial vision loss. Hearing this person’s experience, from the immediate pain and panic to the long-term impact on their life and career, can be a powerful motivator for consistently using PPE. It is likely there are several other real stories in your own labs that can be used.
To foster a culture of safety in the laboratory, it is essential to create an environment where sharing stories about injuries and near-misses is encouraged and valued. This openness helps to demystify safety protocols and makes the abstract risks more concrete. There are strategies to build this culture.
Create forums for lab workers to share their experiences without fear of blame or retribution. This could be in the form of regular safety meetings, anonymous reporting systems, or informal discussions. The key is to ensure that these stories are used constructively to improve safety practices.
Integrate real-life stories into safety training sessions. Use the narratives to illustrate the importance of compliance and to discuss what went wrong and how it could have been prevented. This approach not only makes the training more engaging but also more relatable.
Lastly. Lab leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the overall safety culture. Managers and senior staff should model safe behaviors and share their own experiences with safety lapses and near-misses. When leaders demonstrate a commitment to safety, it sets a powerful example for the entire team. Stories can be a potent tool for enhancing laboratory safety. By sharing real experiences of injuries and exposures, we can bridge the gap between knowing and doing, making the importance of safety protocols vividly clear. In a laboratory setting, where the stakes are high, these stories can drive better compliance with PPE use and foster a culture of safety that protects everyone. Remember, every story shared is a lesson learned and a step towards a safer work environment in your laboratory.
–Dan Scungio, MT(ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ) has over 25 years experience as a certified medical technologist. Today he is the Laboratory Safety Officer for Sentara Healthcare, a system of seven hospitals and over 20 laboratories and draw sites in the Tidewater area of Virginia. He is also known as Dan the Lab Safety Man, a lab safety consultant, educator, and trainer.
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