Hospital EHS Accreditation

Hospitals have a mission to care for the sick and injured. But, by the very nature of their business, hospitals present serious risks to their patients, visitors, staff and the community. Risks that include both physical and health hazards. Hazards that may manifest as an injury such as a slip resulting in an injury producing fall or an illness such as the development of a nosocomial infection or mersa. Hazards that if left unchecked can severely damage the reputation of a hospital.

Hospital EHS Accreditation provides a means for hospitals to not only address physical and health hazards that put their patients, visitors and workers at risk. But, also serves as a means to let the public know they strive for excellence in fulfilling their mission to the people of the community.

Hospital EHS Accreditation is four parts:

1. Environmental

(addresses conditions of the grounds and building that contribute to illnesses and injuries)

• Waste Management
• (ordinary, hazardous, medical)
• Flammable / Chemical Storage
• Illumination
• Ventilation
• Sanitation
• Building Maintenance

2. Health

(addresses illness producing issues)

• Infection Control
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Hazard Communication
• Hazardous Atmospheres
• Tuberculosis
• Ergonomics

3. Safety

(addresses issues that protect from injury)

• Walking, Working Surfaces
• Fire and Other Emergencies
• Life Safety
• Electrical Work Practices
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Hazardous Materials
• Compressed Gas Cylinders
• Safety Color Coding
• Accident Prevention Signs / Tags
• Hand and Portable Power Tools

4. Administrative

(addresses management control measures)

• Licensure (hospital & staff)
• Governing Body
• Patient’s Rights
• Services - medical staff, nursing, radiology & nuclear, dietary, laboratory, emergency, pharmaceutical, nuclear outpatient, surgical, central material, dialysis, respiratory, psychiatric and security.
• Injury and Illness Prevention Plan

Hospital EHS Accreditation process:

1. Application

(Hospital submits an application and an EHS Manager is assigned to work with the hospital)

2. Baseline Audit

(EHS Manager comes to the hospital and conducts a survey to establish level of compliance for EHS issues, then works with the hospital to develop compliance program)

3. Management Education

(An EHS Injury and Illness Prevention Plan is developed for the hospital and the EHS Manager conducts management education addressing the issues covered in the EHS Accreditation Process and Injury and Illness Prevention Plan)

4. Survey Team

(Within 45 days following the management education, a two-person EHS Survey Team will arrive at the hospital unannounced to conduct a compliance audit based on the EHS Injury and Illness Prevention Plan provided the hospital and submit a recommendation)

5. Awarding Accreditation

(Upon reviewing the EHS Manger and EHS Survey Team findings, the Hospital EHS Accreditation Review Committee will make the final decision granting Hospital EHS Accreditation)

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