Hazard Analysis for Patient Safety in a Healthcare Organization

Task or scenario
(Hospital/Healthcare
Organization located in
Canberra)
Hazard/s Associated harm,
e.g. what could go
wrong?
Existing Risk
Controls
Current
risk
rating
Usethe
Risk
Matrix
Any additional
controls are
required?1
Residual
risk
rating
Usethe
Risk
Matrix
Usage of elevated beds for patient
position alignment, transporting
patients to different wards using
wheelchairs or carrying equipment to
various departments using trolleys
and carts.
Inadequate usage of
wheelchairs and bed
elevations among novice
nurses resulting in falls.
Inadequate storage and
placement of trolleys and
carts resulting in trips and
falls.
Frequent falls
resulting in injuries,
bruises, cuts,
fractures, sprains and
pains.
Significantly
absent – generally
verbal instructions
Very
Likely
Monthly conductance of
health and safety audit
Administration of staff
training on correct usage
of equipment, need for
patient safety and
organization of
equipment to prevent
unnecessary clutter.
Establishment of warming
signs and symbols
throughout patient rooms
as well as throughout the
organization.
Highly
unlikely
Floor cleaning practices resulting in
slippery floors Ignorance and
unawareness regarding the
presence of a wet floor
(especially during
emergencies) resulting in
slips and falls
Frequent falls
resulting in injuries,
bruises, cuts,
fractures, sprains and
pains.
Significantly
absent – generally
verbal instructions
Very
Likely
Monthly conductance of
health and safety audit
Administration of staff
training on hazards
associated with wet floors
and usage of improved
grip footwear.
Establishment of wet floor
warming signs and
Highly
unlikely
1Always consider whether or not it is possible to eliminated the hazard or hazardous task altogether. If this is not possible, refer to the hierarchy of risk
controls.