Healthcare Safety Checklist

Infection Control

Hand hygiene stations are stocked and accessible. PPE (gloves, masks, gowns) is available and properly used. Surfaces and equipment are disinfected between patients. Waste is segregated and disposed of correctly.

Patient & Staff Safety

Patient identification is verified before procedures. Fall prevention measures are in place for at-risk patients. Emergency equipment (defibrillators, oxygen) is checked and accessible. Sharps containers are available and not overfilled.

Work Environment

Walkways and corridors are kept clear. Lighting is adequate in all work areas. Electrical equipment is regularly inspected. Staff breaks and workload are managed to reduce fatigue.

Manual Handling & Mobility

Use hoists and slide sheets for patient transfers. Apply safe-lifting technique and request team lifts. Adjust bed and equipment heights to reduce strain. Assess mobility and fall risk on admission and regularly.

Medication Safety

Store medicines locked, labelled, and at correct temperatures. Verify identity, dose, and route at each administration. Dispose of unused or expired drugs via controlled waste. Reconcile medicines at transitions of care.

Sharps & Needlestick

Use safety-engineered devices and never recap needles. Dispose of sharps immediately in approved containers. Position containers at point of use, not overfilled. Report and treat exposures under the blood-borne protocol.

Fire Safety

Know extinguisher locations and how to use them on each ward. Keep fire doors shut and evacuation routes clear of obstructions. Report and remove fire hazards such as overloaded sockets or blocked exits. Practice fire drills and know ward marshals and assembly points.

Violence & Aggression

Train staff in de-escalation and behavioural cues. Use duress alarms and buddy systems where risk is high. Review incidents and adjust staffing or design. Offer support and debrief after aggression events.