new-comer in OHN

[oh-agnurse]

I started a job in OHN in the auto industry, anyone have any tips for this aspect of occ. health? I'm not an ER nurse, do you recommend a basic first aid course? I have my BLS/ACLS but am not familiar with some of the injuries that may walk through the clinic door. Thanks

[LasVegasRN]

I wish more of my colleagues would make a presence on this board. Unfortunately, most of the nurses I know worked for railroads, mining companies, and steel mills. None in the auto industry. Have you toured the plant to see everything that they are working with? I would imagine they may walk in with anything from cumulative trauma, eye injuries, lifting, etc. But the best way to get a good idea is to actually tour the work site(s) and see what they are doing.

[oh-agnurse]

Thanks for the input!!!

[Sharon]

Basic first aid would be a waste of your time. Minimally you should look for an advanced level first aid or EMT training. LasVegasRN is right that you should first tour the facility and also review their OSHA log to see what are the common types of injuries.

You may find that you will need very specific injury management training that is unique to your work environment. I had to learn how to splint and stabilize teeth in a rural environment until both the gross head injuries was evaluated and until an orthodontist could get to the patient to apply braces. My dentist, who had worked in a similar environment as a college student, was the one who trained me.

[ERNurse752, RN]

I would also recommend an EMT class...I do both ER and Occ Health and that experience has always come in handy. :)

Reviewing the OSHA stuff is also a good idea.

Have fun and good luck! :)

[wrightgd]

Like the others mentioned, get the last several years of OSHA logs and look for the most common problems... But the fact is, that with most industrial settings you may see everything from spider bites and splinters all the way to amputations, major falls, or complete head and body trauma.

Also, if there is a "near miss" reporting process where you work, look at those. These are just accidents waiting to happen, and they can tip you off on potential injuries.

Finally, join a local or state association for OHNs. The national association is http://www.aaohn.org

Start networking with OHNs in the same industry. Don't re-invent the wheel, if there are others out there who can help you.

Best of luck to you!

George

[oh-agnurse]

Thanks, all of what you had said is true so far!!!!