OSHA mandates that employers conduct Hazard Assessments to assess the workplace and determine whether hazards are present or likely to be present—a foundational step for ensuring safe environments. This includes a variety of hazards: chemical, biological, ergonomic, physical, and more.

In healthcare facilities, such assessments must also be tailored to occupational hazards unique to this sector—like bloodborne pathogens, ergonomic risks from patient handling, infectious diseases, and workplace violence.

Key Elements of Proper Hazard Assessments

A thorough facility hazard assessment in healthcare should include:

• Use of Safety Checklists: Covering general housekeeping, slip/trip/fall risks, electrical safety, equipment integrity, and emergency preparedness.
• Health Hazard Identification: Review chemicals (via SDS), noise, heat, radiation, infection control, sharps, allergenic agents, and ergonomic stressors like lifting or repetitive tasks.
• Safe Patient Handling Focus: High-risk areas should be assessed for musculoskeletal injuries. Implementing assistive equipment and planning patient-handling procedures are critical.
• Incident Investigation: Analyze injuries, near-misses, or complaints to identify unseen hazards and root causes.
• Written Certification (Where Applicable): Under 29 CFR § 1910.1030 (c) (2) and 1910.132 (d), employers must certify the hazard assessment in writing—stating the workplace evaluated, assessor identity, and date.

Practical Steps for Healthcare Employers

Here’s a step-by-step guide to implementing effective hazard assessments:

1. Assemble a Multidisciplinary Team: Include administrators, clinical staff, safety experts, and frontline workers to garner comprehensive insight.
2. Gather Data: Use SDS, past injury logs, medical reports (appropriately redacted), surveys, job safety analyses, and inspection findings.
3. Conduct Walkthroughs: Observe real operations—patient handling, PPE use, chemical handling—and capture associated risks.
4. Document Findings: Include what was assessed, who performed the assessment, when, and summary of findings—mirroring the PPE certification approach.
5. Implement Controls: Prioritize based on risk severity—engineering controls (lift equipment), administrative/work practice controls (workflow redesign), and PPE.
6. Review and Reassess Periodically: After changes to operations, equipment, or following incidents, update your assessments accordingly. Employee training should always begin with the review of initial assessments and incorporate any necessary updates throughout the process.

Why This Matters for Healthcare Safety

• Protect Workers and Patients: Proactive identification of hazards—especially around patient handling and infectious risks—prevents injuries and ensures safe care delivery.
• Fulfill OSHA Obligations: Even when not tied to a specific standard (e.g., violence prevention), facility-wide hazard assessments help meet the OSHA General Duty Clause requirement to provide a safe workplace.
• Support Broader Safety Management Systems: Hazard assessments are integral to a Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle in safety programs, improving continuous safety performance and culture.
  • Plan: Define safety goals, structure, hazards, risks, and needed resources.
  • Do: Systematically implement plans and procedures.
  • Check: Monitor, measure, and review effectiveness.
  • Act: Make corrections and update the safety and health management system and the organization’s goals and objectives as needed.

Final Takeaway

Facility hazard assessments are non-negotiable in healthcare—they are essential for uncovering hidden risks, guiding preventive actions, and ensuring ongoing safety compliance. Whether for PPE, patient handling, infection control, or general workplace safety, each assessment builds the foundation for a resilient, safe healthcare environment.

Need help developing an OSHA compliance plan for your medical or dental practice? Medsafe can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or safety audit.

Additional Resources:

OSHA

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Why OSHA Safety Matters In the Veterinary Industry

OSHA mandates that all employers provide a workplace free of recognized hazards. For veterinary practices, this means developing comprehensive safety plans, training staff regularly, and maintaining proper documentation. Noncompliance can result in fines, legal liabilities, workplace injuries, and reputational damage.

Common OSHA Safety Hazards in Veterinary Practices

Veterinary professionals are exposed to a range of risks that must be proactively managed:

• Animal-related injuries:
  • Bites, scratches, and kicks from frightened or aggressive animals are among the most common causes of workplace injury.
• Chemical hazards:
  • Anesthetic gases, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals (including cytotoxic drugs) can pose respiratory and skin hazards.
• Sharps injuries:
  • Needles, Scalpels, and other sharp instruments present risks of puncture wounds and infections.
• Zoonotic diseases:
  • Staff are at risk of contracting diseases that are transmittable between animals and humans, such as rabies, ringworm, or leptospirosis.
• Ergonomic strains:
  • Repetitive lifting of animals and equipment can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.

These risks make proper safety procedures a must, not a maybe.

Key OSHA Safety Standards That Apply to Veterinary Clinics

• Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200):
  • Staff must be trained on the chemicals they use, and all hazardous substances must be properly labeled and documented with Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030):
  • This standard primarily applies to human-to-human exposure, but it can also cover veterinary practices when employees are exposed to human blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM).  Examples can include treating staff injuries and the animal’s blood is known to be infected with HIV or HBV. A veterinary Exposure Control Plan should address zoonotic diseases. An Exposure Control Plan and annual training are required.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I):
  • Clinics must provide appropriate PPE such as gloves, safety glasses, masks, and lab coats, and ensure staff are trained in their proper use.
• Injury and Illness Recordkeeping (29 CFR 1904):
  • Veterinary clinics with more than 10 employees are typically required to log and report work-related injuries and illnesses.
• General Duty Clause:
  • This is not considered a standard, but rather a provision. Even if a hazard isn’t specifically addressed by OSHA standards, employers are required to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards.

Best Practices for OSHA Compliance in Veterinary Clinics

• Develop a Written Safety Plan:
  • Include policies for hazard communication, injury prevention, emergency response, and zoonotic disease control.
• Conduct Routine Training:
  • Staff should receive initial and annual refresher training on topics like PPE use, sharps safety, and proper animal handling.
• Use Engineering Controls:
  • Invest in safety devices like needleless systems and animal restraint tools to minimize exposure risks.
• Implement a Reporting Culture:
  • Encourage staff to report hazards or injuries without fear of retaliation.
• Perform Regular Audits:
  • Routine internal inspections help identify and correct hazards before an OSHA inspector does.

A Safer Practice Is a Better Practice

Veterinary professionals are passionate about animal care, but their own health and safety must also be a priority. By implementing OSHA-compliant policies and fostering a culture of safety, veterinary clinics can protect their teams, improve workplace morale, and avoid costly regulatory penalties. Prioritizing OSHA safety is not only a legal obligation—it’s a critical part of sustaining a healthy, thriving practice.

Need help developing an OSHA compliance plan for your veterinary practice? Medsafe can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or safety audit.

Additional Resources:

OSHA

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What is an Exposure Control Plan?

An Exposure Control Plan is a written document required under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Its purpose is to identify and mitigate the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens—such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV—that employees might encounter in their workplace.

The ECP is a living document, meaning it must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in workplace conditions, procedures, or job roles that could affect exposure risks. Employers are legally obligated to ensure that their ECP is accessible to all employees and effectively implemented.

Why is an Exposure Control Plan Important?

The primary goal of an Exposure Control Plan is to protect workers from potentially life-threatening infections. Beyond compliance, a well-crafted ECP fosters a culture of safety, reducing workplace injuries, improving employee morale, and enhancing organizational efficiency. Failing to implement or maintain an effective ECP can result in significant penalties from OSHA, not to mention the ethical responsibility employers have to safeguard their teams.

Key Components of an Exposure Control Plan

To comply with OSHA regulations, an Exposure Control Plan must include:

1. Exposure Determination
   • Identify job classifications and tasks where occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens may occur. For example, healthcare workers, first responders, or custodial staff handling contaminated materials.
2. Methods of Compliance
   • Implement Engineering Controls:  This is the first primary method to help reduce or remove the hazard.  Examples include safety engineered devices, ventilation, barriers, etc.
   • Implement Work Practice Controls:  These are changes in procedures or practices that reduce risk to exposure such as handwashing, cross contamination, etc.
   • Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, etc.
3. Hepatitis B Vaccination
   • Offer the hepatitis B vaccination series to all employees at risk of exposure, free of charge.
4. Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up
   • Define procedures for medical evaluation and follow-up after an exposure incident, including confidential medical evaluations and testing.
5. Communication of Hazards
   • Use labels and signs to warn employees about biohazards and train employees on recognizing and managing risks.
6. Employee Training
   • Provide comprehensive training at the time of initial assignment and annually thereafter. Training should cover the ECP, methods to reduce exposure, and procedures for post-exposure incidents.
7. Recordkeeping
   • Maintain training records, employee medical records, and a log of exposure incidents for the duration specified by OSHA.
8. Enforcement and Accountability   
   • Details the enforcement mechanisms to ensure employees comply with the plan
   • Specifies disciplinary actions for non-compliance.

Best Practices for Implementing an ECP

• Engage Employees: Involve workers in the development and periodic review of the ECP to address practical concerns and improve adherence.
• Regular Audits: Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of controls and update the plan to reflect any changes.
• Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to streamline recordkeeping and training processes.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with OSHA updates and evolving best practices related to bloodborne pathogens safety.

OSHA’s Exposure Control Plan requirements serve as a framework for protecting employees from dangerous pathogens. By adhering to these guidelines, employers not only comply with federal regulations but also demonstrate a commitment to workplace health and safety. For industries where exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a daily risk, an effective ECP is not just a legal necessity—it’s a moral imperative.

Experience Better Healthcare Compliance with MedSafe

We’ve been assisting our clients with their compliance needs for over 30 years. Let us help build and maintain your OSHA and/or HIPAA program(s) so you can focus on your patients. Contact us today.

Additional Resources:

OSHA – CDC

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What Is a Hazard Assessment?

An OSHA hazard assessment is a systematic review of potential risks in a workplace. OSHA mandates that employers evaluate potential dangers, such as physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards, to implement the necessary safety measures. In healthcare facilities, these hazards can range from exposure to infectious agents and chemicals to risks of physical injuries and ergonomic strain.

Key OSHA Standards Relevant to Healthcare Facilities

Steps in Conducting a Hazard Assessment

1. Identify Hazards:

Several OSHA standards apply specifically to healthcare environments. Key areas include:

• Physical Hazards: Slippery floors, electrical hazards, sharp instruments, and high-noise areas.
• Chemical Hazards: Cleaning agents, disinfectants, and medications that require safe handling.
• Biological Hazards: Exposure to pathogens, contaminated waste, and sharps.
• Ergonomic Hazards: Repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and awkward postures.

2. Evaluate and Prioritize Risks:

After identifying hazards, assess their severity and likelihood to prioritize resources. For example, managing sharps-related injuries and bloodborne pathogens will be a high priority due to the potentially severe consequences.

3. Determine Necessary Controls:

OSHA promotes a hierarchy of controls to minimize risks, which include:

• Elimination/Substitution: Removing hazardous materials where possible.
• Engineering Controls: Installing ventilation systems or using sharps containers.
• Administrative Controls: Establishing protocols for safe work practices.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing gloves, face shields, and other protective gear.

4. Implement Controls and Train Employees:

Once controls are in place, train all staff on proper procedures, such as donning PPE, handling sharps safely, and using mechanical lifting devices.

5. Regular Review and Update:

Healthcare environments are dynamic, with new equipment, processes, and staff turnover. Perform regular hazard assessments, especially when there are significant changes, to ensure controls remain effective.

Best Practices for Healthcare Hazard Assessment

Benefits of a Hazard Assessment in Healthcare Facilities

Conducting an OSHA hazard assessment in healthcare facilities is essential for maintaining a safe environment for employees and patients alike. By systematically identifying hazards, implementing controls, and regularly updating safety measures, healthcare providers can ensure compliance with OSHA standards and protect their most valuable assets—their people.

Experience Better Healthcare Compliance with MedSafe

We’ve been assisting our clients with their compliance needs for over 30 years. Let us help build and maintain your OSHA and/or HIPAA program(s) so you can focus on your patients. Contact us today.

Additional Resources:

OSHA – CDC

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OSHA’s hazard communication program is a cornerstone of workplace safety, particularly in healthcare settings where employees are exposed to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical hazards. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are aware of these hazards and know how to manage them is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. This article delves into the importance of hazard communication in healthcare, the essential components of an effective hazard communication program, and best practices for its implementation.

Importance of Hazard Communication

Hazard communication in healthcare is vital for several reasons:

1. Employee Safety: Healthcare workers handle hazardous substances such as pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, anesthetic gases, and potentially infectious materials. Proper hazard communication helps employees understand these risks and how to protect themselves.
2. Patient Safety: By effectively managing hazardous materials, healthcare facilities can prevent contamination and ensure a safer environment for patients.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is mandatory. Adhering to these regulations helps healthcare facilities avoid legal penalties and ensures the safety of both staff and patients.
4. Risk Reduction: Effective hazard communication minimizes the risk of accidents and exposures, reducing the incidence of injuries and illnesses among healthcare workers.

Key Components of an Effective Hazard Communication Program

An effective hazard communication program in healthcare should include the following components:

1. Hazard Classification:
   • Identify and evaluate the hazards associated with each chemical, biological agent, and potentially infectious material used in the healthcare setting.
   • Classify hazards based on their potential health effects, such as toxicity, flammability, reactivity, and infectious potential.
2. Labeling and Signage:
   • Ensure that all hazardous chemicals and materials are properly labeled with the substance’s identity, appropriate hazard warnings, and the manufacturer’s information.
   • Use clear and visible signage to indicate areas where hazardous materials are stored or used.
3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS):
   • Maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous substances.
   • Ensure that SDSs are readily accessible to all employees during their work shifts.
4. Employee Training:
   • Provide comprehensive training to all employees on the hazards they may encounter and the proper procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials.
   • Conduct regular refresher training sessions to keep employees informed of any changes or new hazards.
5. Written Hazard Communication Plan:
   • Develop and maintain a written hazard communication plan that outlines the procedures for labeling, SDS management, employee training, and emergency response.
   • Ensure that the plan is easily accessible to all employees and is regularly reviewed and updated.

Best Practices for Implementation

Implementing an effective hazard communication program requires a proactive approach and ongoing commitment. Here are some best practices for successful implementation:

1. Involve Management and Staff:
   • Ensure that both management and staff are committed to hazard communication. Management should lead by example, and staff should be encouraged to actively participate in safety programs.
2. Foster a Safety Culture:
   • Create a workplace culture that prioritizes safety. Encourage employees to report hazards, near-misses, and incidents without fear of reprisal.
   • Recognize and reward safe behavior to reinforce the importance of hazard communication.
3. Regular Inspections and Audits:
   • Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with hazard communication standards.
   • Address any identified deficiencies promptly and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
4. Use Technology:
   • Utilize technology to streamline hazard communication processes. Digital SDS management systems and online training modules are examples that can enhance efficiency and accessibility.
5. Emergency Preparedness:
   • Develop and implement emergency response plans for chemical spills, exposures, and other hazardous incidents.
   • Conduct regular drills to ensure that employees are prepared to respond effectively in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Hazard communication is an essential component of workplace safety in the healthcare industry. By understanding the hazards, properly labeling and storing hazardous materials, maintaining accurate SDSs, and providing comprehensive training, healthcare facilities can protect their employees and ensure a safe environment for both staff and patients. A proactive approach and commitment to fostering a safety culture will help reduce risks and promote the well-being of everyone in the healthcare setting.

Experience Better Healthcare Compliance

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What is OSHA?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) is the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards in the workplace. OSHA’s mission is to ensure employees work in a safe and healthy environment by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and assistance. All employers must comply with applicable OSHA standards and keep their workplace free of hazards.

What is OSHA Safety Training?

Safety education and training helps employees learn about job-related hazards and how to avoid them. The training covers various topics, including workplace safety, emergency preparedness, hazardous materials handling, and more. The goal of OSHA safety training is to teach employees how to identify and respond to potential hazards in the workplace, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Who Needs OSHA Safety Training?

OSHA training requirements vary depending on the industry and the type of work being performed. In general, any employee who works in an industry with a risk of workplace injury or illness must undergo training. This includes industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Employers must determine which employees need OSHA safety training and ensure they receive the appropriate training.

What are the OSHA Safety Training Requirements?

OSHA has several training requirements, which include:

1. General Industry: OSHA requires that general industry employees receive training on the following: fire safety, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and emergency action plans.
2. Construction: Employees who work in the construction industry must receive training on the following: fall protection, scaffolding safety, and hazard communication.
3. Healthcare: Healthcare workers must receive training on bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, ergonomics, and other general industry requirements (see above).
4. Hazardous Materials: Employees who handle hazardous materials must receive training on the specific hazards associated with the materials they are working with, as well as proper handling and storage techniques.
5. Emergency Response: Workers involved in emergency response situations must receive training on responding appropriately to various types of emergencies.

Other OSHA Requirements Include:

Employers must keep records documenting that their employees have completed the required OSHA training. The records should include the employee’s name, the training topic, the date of the training, and the name of the person who conducted the training.

Why is OSHA Safety Training Important?

OSHA training helps to ensure that employees are prepared to work safely and avoid injuries. It helps employers create a safer work environment and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries by providing employees with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and respond to hazards.

How Often Must Employers Provide OSHA Training?

Employers must provide OSHA training annually. OSHA interprets that to mean that employees must be provided re-training at least once every 12 months (i.e., within a time period not exceeding 365 days.) Safety training is a legal requirement, so failing to provide the required training can result in fines and other penalties.

Remember, a safe workplace is a productive workplace, and OSHA safety training is an essential component of creating a safe workplace.

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What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a potent, colorless gas that is commonly used in hospitals, medical laboratories, dental offices, and pediatric practices as a preservative, sterilizer, and disinfectant. It is also used for manufacturing purposes, funeral homes for embalming, and is found in a number of household products such as paper towels, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, lipstick, nail polish, and glue.

What are the risks associated with exposure to formaldehyde?

Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde should be avoided if possible, as it may trigger severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, respiratory irritation, headaches, watery/burning eyes. Formaldehyde is a skin irritant, a cancer-causing agent, and if ingested can be fatal. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), formaldehyde may “reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen”.

What should employers know about formaldehyde?

The OSHA Formaldehyde standard (29 CFR 1910.1048) protects workers exposed to formaldehyde.

• The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde in the workplace is 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air (0.75 ppm) measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
• The standard includes a second PEL in the form of a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 2 ppm which is the maximum exposure allowed during a 15-minute period.
• The action level – which is the standard’s trigger for increased industrial hygiene monitoring and initiation of worker medical surveillance – is 0.5 ppm when calculated as an 8-hour TWA.

What must employers do to protect workers from formaldehyde exposure?

OSHA has very specific regulations on the monitoring, training and protection of workers who are exposed to formaldehyde.  Some key provisions of the OSHA standard require employers to do the following (1):

• Identify all workers who may be exposed to formaldehyde at or above the action level or STEL and determine their exposure. Reassign workers who have significant adverse effects from formaldehyde exposure to jobs with significantly less or no exposure until their condition improves. Reassignment may continue for up to 6 months until the worker is determined to be able to return to the original job or to be unable to return to work – whichever comes first.
• Implement feasible engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain worker exposure to formaldehyde at or below the 8-hour TWA and the STEL. If these controls cannot reduce exposure to or below the PELs, employers must provide workers with respirators.
• Label all mixtures or solutions composed of greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde and materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm. For all materials capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels above 0.5 ppm during normal use, the label must contain the words “potential cancer hazard.”
• Train all workers exposed to formaldehyde concentrations of 0.1 ppm or greater at the time of initial job assignment and whenever a new exposure to formaldehyde is introduced into the work area. Repeat training annually.
• Select, provide and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure that workers use PPE such as impervious clothing, gloves, aprons, and chemical splash goggles to prevent skin and eye contact with formaldehyde.
• Provide showers and eyewash stations if splashing is likely.
• Provide medical surveillance for all workers exposed to formaldehyde at concentrations at or above the action level or exceeding the STEL, for those who develop signs and symptoms of overexposure, and for all workers exposed to formaldehyde in emergencies. (1)

Recordkeeping Requirements

Employers are required to do the following regarding worker exposure records:

• Retain exposure records for 30 years.
• Retain medical records for 30 years after employment ends.
• Allow access to medical and exposure records to current and former workers or their designated representatives upon request. (1)

Additional Information

For more information on this, visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

For information on formaldehyde training, contact the experts at MedSafe at 1-888-MEDSAFE or visit our website at www.medsafe.com.

References:

1. Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/Top_Ten_Standards.html

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If an OSHA inspector conducts an inspection and unsafe or unhealthy working conditions are found, a list of citations and proposed penalties will be sent to the employer by certified mail. A posted copy of the citation must be placed at or near the place the violation occurred for three days or until the violation is abated, whichever is longer. The different types of violations and penalties are:

Current and New Maximum Penalties Are As Follows:

Type of violation:

• Serious
  • Current Maximum Penalty:
  • New Maximum Penalty: 
• Other-Than-Serious
  • Current Maximum Penalty:
  • New Maximum Penalty: 
• Posting Requirement
  • Current Maximum Penalty: $7,000 per violation
  • New Maximum Penalty: $12,471 per violation
• Failure to Abate
  • Current Maximum Penalty: $7,000 per day beyond abatement date
  • New Maximum Penalty: $12,471 per day beyond abatement date
• Willful or Repeated
  • Current Maximum Penalty: $70,000 per violation
  • New Maximum Penalty: $124,709 per violation

Adjustments to Penalties

To provide guidance to field staff on the implementation of the new penalties, OSHA issued revisions to its Field Operations Manual. To address the impact of these penalty increases on smaller businesses, OSHA will continue to provide penalty reductions based on the size of the employer and other factors.

State Plan States

States that operate their own Occupational Safety and Health Plans are required to adopt maximum penalty levels that are at least as effective as Federal OSHA’s.

For More Assistance: 

Visit www.osha.gov

Contact MEDSAFE www.medsafe.com or (888)-MED-SAFE for compliance assistance or questions.

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1. Bloodborne Pathogens Standards-
   1. A written exposure control plan that is updated annually
   2. Safety policies that reflect universal precautions
   3. Implementation of the safe use of needles and sharps
   4. The use of appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, face and eye protection, and gowns
   5. Provide hepatitis B vaccine to any exposed employee at no cost
   6. Provide proper medical treatment following an exposure
   7. Use of labels for items such as sharps disposal boxes and containers for regulated waste, contaminated laundry, and certain specimens
   8. Provide employee training
   9. Proper disposal and containment of waste
   10. Thoroughly wash hands with before and after any patient contact and immediately upon contact with blood or body fluids
2. Hazard Communications Standards-
   1. Written hazard communication program 
   2. A list of hazardous chemicals (such as alcohol, disinfectants, anesthetic agents, etc.) used or stored in the office 
   3. A copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used or stored in the office 
   4. Employee training
3. Ionizing Radiation Standards-
   1. Survey of the types of radiation used in the facility
   2. Restricted areas to limit employee exposures
   3. Employees working in restricted areas must wear personal radiation monitors 
   4. Rooms and equipment may need to be labeled and equipped with caution signs
4. Exit Routes Standards-
   1. Exit routes for the number of employees in any occupied space
   2. A diagram of evacuation routes posted in a visible location
5. Electrical Standards-
   1. All staff must be properly trained in the use of all equipment
   2. Equipment must only be used by staff for the purpose of performing their job
   3. All equipment must be tagged with the inspection date, the due date of the next inspection and the inspector’s initials
   4. In the event of failure or malfunction, immediately tag “OUT OF SERVICE”

The information above includes some of the most frequently found hazards and standards in medical and dental offices. This information should not be used as a substitute for all OSHA standards. As an employer, it is your responsibility to obtain the full text of OSHA standards, available at www.osha.gov. You may also contact MedSafe at 1-888-MEDSAFE for questions regarding safety or employee training. www.medsafe.com

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According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 385,000 sharps-related injuries that occur annually in the US healthcare industry, which is an average of 1,000 per day.  A sharps injury is penetrating stab wound from a needle, scalpel, or another sharp object that may result in exposure to blood or body fluids.

More than 20 bloodborne pathogens have been reportedly transmitted from these types of injuries. Some may lead to severe and fatal infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In fact, about 2 percent of needlestick injuries are likely to be contaminated with (HIV).

Most sharps-related injuries involve nurses, physicians, laboratory staff, and other healthcare workers. They are typically a result of fatigue, using improper procedures, dangerous equipment, limited staff experience, and stressful work conditions in a fast-paced environment. Injuries can occur when employees dispose of needles, collect materials used in medical procedures, draw blood, or handle trash or dirty linens.

The projected medical and work productivity costs from sharps-related injuries are estimated to be $188.5 million per year in the US. With direct costs ranging from $500 to $5,000 per injury depending on the treatment provided. It’s hard to project the actual total costs because nearly 50% of all injuries go unreported. However, sharps injuries clearly have a significant economic impact on the healthcare industry. According to the American Hospital Association, one case of severe infection by bloodborne pathogens can add up to $1 million or more in expenditures for testing, follow-up, lost time and disability payments. The costs that are harder to quantify include stress from injury, emotional cost from fear and anxiety of contracting a communicable disease or infection, lost time from work, expenses from laboratory testing, medical treatment, and the cost of any litigation.

There are standardized guidelines following a sharps injury that healthcare workers should use for post-exposure prevention, including antiviral medications for individuals exposed to HIV and hepatitis B or C virus. Below is a list of steps recommended by the CDC that should be followed after a sharps injury.

Steps to take following a needlestick:

If you experienced a sharps injury during your work, immediately follow these steps:

• Wash wound with soap and water
• Flush out mouth, nose, or skin with water
• Irrigate eyes with water, saline, or sterile irrigants
• Report the incident to your supervisor
• Immediately seek medical treatment at the nearest ER or treatment facility.

What can employers and employees do to prevent injury in the workplace?

Employers:

• Implement the use of engineering controls to reduce needlestick injuries.
• Avoid the use of needles when there are other safe alternatives.
• Implement use of devices with safety features.
• Set priorities and strategies for needlestick injury prevention by examining local and national information about risk factors.
• Ensure proper training of employees on the safe use and disposal of needles.
• Modify work practices that have an increased risk of a needlestick injury.
• Promote safety awareness in the work environment.
• Establish procedures for and encourage the reporting of all needlestick and other sharps-related injuries.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of prevention efforts and provide feedback on performance.

Employees:

• Avoid recapping needles.
• Before beginning any procedure using needles, plan for safe handling and proper disposal.
• Help your employer select and evaluate devices with safety features.
• Use devices with safety features.
• Report all needlestick and other sharps-related injuries.
• Dispose of used needles in appropriate sharps disposal containers.
• Inform your employer of hazards from needles that you observe at work.
• Participate in bloodborne pathogen training and follow recommended infection prevention practices, including hepatitis B vaccination.

References:

http://www.who.int/occupational_health/topics/needinjuries/en/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17655812

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/emergnedl.html

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2000-108/pdfs/2000-108.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3161.pdf

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