> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arborconnect.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.arborconnect.com/safety-first/workplace-safety.md). # Workplace Safety and Injury Prevention ## Workplace safety Because we value you as a team member and as a person, we want to help you stay healthy and strong while you're working in our Community. No matter what your role is, there are safe and unsafe ways to do every job. Pay special attention to the suggestions ahead to make sure you understand how to work safely. **All accidents can be prevented. Take responsibility. Think before you act.** The less money we have to pay for accidents, the more we can spend on team member appreciation programs! ## Good body mechanics Many of our residents will need assistance standing up from chairs or moving from one seat to another, or from a seat to the bed. At some point, almost everyone will need to move a heavy object. No matter how strong you are, using good body mechanics will help you avoid back strain or injury and will help you feel less tired at the end of a long day. You will receive training during orientation on safe lifting. All Resident Assistants are required to use gait belts while assisting residents with a transfer. The following reminders are useful: **Remember these steps:** 1. Ask Yourself: Do I need help? Don't be shy. Don't be proud. If you think you might need help lifting or transferring a resident, ASK FOR HELP. The resident's task sheet will indicate how much help he or she need during a transfer. 2. Take the time to get ready. 3. Use your brain, not just your brawn. ## Using needles * Use caution when handling needles. * If the syringe is uncapped, use extra caution. Do not stab yourself or a resident by accident. * All residents must have a supply of safety needles. Never use a needle that is not retractable. * Never leave unattended syringes near residents. ## What to do if you get injured Unfortunately, accidents still happen. If you are injured on the job, you will be protected by your state's workers' compensation benefits. **This means:** Your medical bills will be paid and, if you cannot return to work right away, you may receive a portion of your average weekly earnings while you recover. If you think that you have been injured on the job, take the following steps: * Talk to your supervisor immediately. He or she will complete a First Report of Injury Form. * If you are in need of medical attention, you will be sent to a doctor from the panel of physicians posted in the team member break room. If you are in need of immediate, emergency help, you will be sent to the ER. * Follow up with your supervisor after visiting the doctor. If you receive restrictions about work or are required to miss work due to your injury, you must communicate with your supervisor. * Be sure to tell your supervisor about an injury, even if you think you don't want to go to the doctor. If your injury requires medical attention, you may also be given a drug and alcohol test as part of your follow-up treatment. A team member who refuses this drug test will be terminated. If you are assigned modified or light duty by a physician, your supervisor will provide you with a job that meets the physician's guidelines. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.arborconnect.com/safety-first/workplace-safety.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.