Safety

Safety Articles by Topic: OSHA

Hospital Safety Center, December 2009

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 12, December 1, 2009

    Briefings on Hospital Safety is the industry leader in covering The Joint Commission, OSHA, and...

Q&A: Qualifications for a bloodborne pathogens trainer

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 46, November 17, 2009

    Q: Who is qualified to train employees in bloodborne pathogens? A: Section 1910.1030(g)(2)(viii)of...

IC experts urge H1N1 respiratory protection change

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 46, November 17, 2009

    Three leading IC organizations issued a letter to President Obama urging a change in respiratory...

OSHA posts H1N1 protection advice

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 46, November 17, 2009

    Following the lead of the recent CDC flu guidance on infection control and healthcare worker...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 46, November 17, 2009

    Last April, OSHA Healthcare Advisor asked whether H1N1 was a lot of hype or a legitimate concern...

Editor's Choice: Flu absenteeism

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 46, November 17, 2009

    NIOSH is studying healthcare worker absenteeism from influenza and is interested in hearing about...

Infectious disease groups appeal to Obama to pull back on N95 enforcement

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 46, November 11, 2009

    Three infectious disease professional associations have written to President Obama, asking him to...

NIOSH reports on endoscope sterilizer hazards

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 45, November 10, 2009

    NIOSH’s health hazard evaluation program just posted a report on exposure to an enzymatic...

Editor's Choice: OSHA violations by healthcare facility type

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 45, November 10, 2009

    Even though OSHA fines in healthcare were down in FY 2009, some sectors were hit harder than...

Q&A: An N95 fit-testing dilemma

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 45, November 10, 2009

    Q: I work at a facility that has fit-tested most of the staff with N95 respirators. We have...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 45, November 10, 2009

    With the retraction of a study’s findings about the use of N95 respirators for H1N1...

Yes and no: ANA on flu respirator protection and mandatory shots

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 44, November 3, 2009

    The American Nurses Association (ANA) recently offered strong opinions on the two pressing H1N1...

Editor's Choice: OSHA may ease up on H1N1 hazard enforcement

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 44, November 3, 2009

    While those responsible for worker safety during the H1N1 pandemic await the OSHA enforcement...

Q&A: Who can perform needlestick evaluations?

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 44, November 3, 2009

    Q: After a needlestick, must we refer the exposed employee to a physician for postexposure...

Educate employees about the risks of using robotics

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 11, November 1, 2009

    Confirm all employees who work with robotics have received proper education about the use and...

Hospital Safety Center, November 2009

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 11, November 1, 2009

    Briefings on Hospital Safety is the industry leader in covering The Joint Commission, OSHA, and...

Mac’s Safety Space: OSHA raises the stakes in the N95 respirator debate

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 44, October 28, 2009

    Join Steve MacArthur, safety consultant for The Greeley Company, as he offers advice and best...

NIOSH following worker hazards to H1N1

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 43, October 27, 2009

    The deaths of five nurses have been attributed to 2009 H1N1 influenza, and NIOSH is intently...

Editor's Choice: Know your annual OSHA training requirements

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 43, October 27, 2009

    Under federal OSHA, annual hazard communication training is not required. Find out what you need...

The CDC reaffirms N95s for healthcare worker protection against H1N1

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 43, October 21, 2009

    As we first reported last week on our Twitter account and in Mac’s Safety Space, the Centers...

Feds say protect workers with respirators, not masks, for H1N1

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 42, October 20, 2009

    The CDC updated the interim guidance on H1N1 protection for healthcare workers recommending...

Editor's Choice: Know your N95 respirator training requirements

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 42, October 20, 2009

    Now that the CDC and OSHA require you to protect your employers with N95 respirators from H1N1...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 42, October 20, 2009

    If you've been following the posts on OSHA Healthcare Advisor, you knew a decision on N95...

Nursing home records now an OSHA inspection priority

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 41, October 13, 2009

    OSHA is putting nursing homes under its enforcement microscope. The agency has announced a new...

Q&A: Clean needlesticks

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 41, October 13, 2009

    Q: If an employee gets stuck with a non-contaminated needle, does OSHA view it as an exposure...

OSHA plans to align hazcom standard with Globally Harmonized System

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 41, October 7, 2009

    The idea has been kicked around for years, and now it looks like it’s finally going to...

OSHA wants harmony on protection from chemical hazards

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 40, October 6, 2009

    OSHA has proposed aligning the hazard communication standard with the United Nations Globally...

Editor's Choice: Plug-in to safe vaccine storage; keep your refrigerator running

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 40, October 6, 2009

    Placing a “do not unplug” sign next to the refrigerator's electrical outlet is a basic...

Q&A: Hepatitis B vaccination and non-responders

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 40, October 6, 2009

    Q: What does OSHA require from an employer when a new employee fails to respond to the hepatitis B...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 40, October 6, 2009

    Have you heard about the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals...

NIOSH questions one method of UV infection control

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 10, October 1, 2009

    Ultraviolet-C light, when pointed straight down into a surgical site for infection control...

Explore the outside standards cited within EC chapter

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 10, October 1, 2009

    It seems like enough work to know The Joint Commission’s EC standards, but are you up on all...

Expect continued survey focus on life safety compliance

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 10, October 1, 2009

    In our report from the annual ASHE conference, we look at why life safety compliance will continue...

Hospital Safety Center, October 2009

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 10, October 1, 2009

    Briefings on Hospital Safety is the industry leader in covering The Joint Commission, OSHA, and...

Editor's Choice: Can hospitals and physician practices achieve a win-win on N95 respirators?

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 39, September 29, 2009

    So much of swine flu preparation news has focused on how hospitals will cope with the pandemic that...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 38, September 22, 2009

    The importance of workplace violence education is fresh in everyone's mind after the death of a...

Q&A: Sterilizer records and logs

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 38, September 22, 2009

    Q: What is the OSHA regulation on retaining sterilization records and logs?

Editor's Choice: Nominations for needlestick prevention award

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 38, September 22, 2009

    If you know of a needlestick prevention hero, click here for information on how to recognize this...

Note to OSHA Healthcare Connection readers

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 37, September 15, 2009

    If you consult on OSHA compliance; or if you do mock OSHA inspections for healthcare facilities...

Q&A: Fit testing N95s

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 37, September 15, 2009

    Q: Is fit testing N95s just showing workers how to put on and take off the respirator safely? A...

Lab research says H1N1 will not to mutate into super virus

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 36, September 8, 2009

    For now H1N1 is the king of the hill of influenza viruses, and that is good. Researchers from the...

Examine risks and solutions related to Pseudomonas

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 9, September 1, 2009

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that—like Legionella —lives in water pipes as...

Eyewash stations: Although not a regulation, ANSI Z358.1 wields influence

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 9, September 1, 2009

    What is tepid water? For the purposes of eyewash safety, the American National Standards Institute...

Safe patient handling is on your regulatory horizon

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 9, September 1, 2009

    Several developments point to safe patient handling becoming an increasing focus of regulators...

Hospital Safety Center, September 2009

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 9, September 1, 2009

    Briefings on Hospital Safety is the industry leader in covering The Joint Commission, OSHA, and...

Peek at and speak up on NIOSH healthcare worker issues

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 35, September 1, 2009

    In 2005 there was a nonfatal injury or illness episode every 47 seconds in healthcare and social...

Q&A: Finessing fit-testing

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 35, September 1, 2009

    Q: Can I use the FDA’s Emergency Use Act to eliminate the need to fit test workers for N95...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 35, September 1, 2009

    Adjusting sick leave policies to allow employees to stay home if they experience flu symptoms is a...

OSHA Watch, September/October 2009

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 5, September 1, 2009

    OSHA Watch is a bimonthly newsletter focusing on OSHA compliance and general safety needs for...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 34, August 25, 2009

    Has a patient ever called into question your work practices during an injection, either because...

Q&A: Exposure control plan review frequency

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 34, August 25, 2009

    Q: How frequently must I review the bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan? A: The minimum...

Editor's choice: Share your OSHA horror story

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 34, August 25, 2009

    Do you have an OSHA “horror” story, maybe a cell phone accidentally dumped into a...

NY State proceeds with healthcare worker flu shot regulation

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 34, August 25, 2009

    The State of New York now has emergency regulations in place for mandatory seasonal flu and H1N1...

Feds urge businesses to plan now for flu season

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 34, August 25, 2009

    Shot, hand, and home are the keywords of the federal guidelines for employer preparation for the...

While not a regulation, ANSI eyewash standard wields influence

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 34, August 19, 2009

    What is “tepid” water? For the purposes of eyewash safety, the American National...

IOM weighs evidence on respirators for H1N1 protection

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 33, August 18, 2009

    The debate continues—whether healthcare workers need to wear respirators, most likely N95s...

Free training on pandemic flu hazards from OSHA grantees

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 33, August 18, 2009

    Small hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Maryland and Delaware areas may attend a free...

Q&A: Respiratory protection plan

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 33, August 18, 2009

    Q: If we must initiate a respiratory protection plan for workers wearing respirators, what must it...

H1N1: Nurses protest in CA, while regulators push mandatory vaccine in NY

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 33, August 12, 2009

    Controversy is swirling this month around protection measures for healthcare workers from the H1N1...

Healthcare illnesses remain higher than national average

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 32, August 11, 2009

    Occupational illness in U.S. private industry decreased from 2003 to 2007, but the rate of illness...

Q&A: Bloodborne pathogens standard and contract workers

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 32, August 11, 2009

    Q: What is my facility’s responsibility for the safety of contract workers under the...

Scientist nominated for head OSHA position

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 31, August 4, 2009

    President Obama has nominated David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, to lead OSHA, according to a July 28...

Tip of the week: We are twittering

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 31, August 4, 2009

    Yes, OSHA Healthcare Advisor is on twitter. Click here to see what we are covering—and...

Q&A: MRSA and OSHA coverage

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 31, August 4, 2009

    Q: Are MRSA exposures covered under OSHA?

Hospital Safety Center, August 2009

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 8, August 1, 2009

    Briefings on Hospital Safety is the industry leader in covering The Joint Commission, OSHA, and...

Congress points to airborne transmissible disease standard

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 30, July 28, 2009

    If the House Appropriations Committee has its way, OSHA will develop an airborne transmissible...

Q&A: First-aid kits

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 30, July 28, 2009

    Q: What’s the OSHA standard on how many first-aid kits you need based on the number of...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 30, July 28, 2009

    Although much of the focus of MRSA infections remains on patient safety, the spread of bacteria can...

Mac’s Safety Space: Keeping tabs on glutaraldehyde sneaking back in

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 30, July 22, 2009

    Join Steve MacArthur, safety consultant for The Greeley Company, as he offers advice and best...

NIOSH: Healthcare not as safe a place to work as you may think

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 29, July 21, 2009

    Looking for a job providing a clean, sterile, and a safe place to work? Healthcare isn’t it...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 29, July 21, 2009

    Not communicating with your employees on pandemic influenza plans and resources can lead to...

It's official; CA has infectious airborne disease standard

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 28, July 14, 2009

    The first standard to protect healthcare workers from the spread of airborne pathogens will go into...

Q&A: OSHA and fire drills

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 28, July 14, 2009

    Q: Does OSHA require an annual fire drill?

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 28, July 14, 2009

    Pointing out egregious infection control or safety deficiencies to the proper authority isn't...

Tip of the week: Stay tuned about new infectious airborne disease standard in CA

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 28, July 8, 2009

    Starting August 5, California will become the first state to have a standard in place to protect...

Mac’s Safety Space: Be wary of MSDS exemptions for consumer cleaning products

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 28, July 8, 2009

    Join Steve MacArthur, safety consultant for The Greeley Company, as he offers advice and best...

OSHA leaders to safety pros: "We're back."

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 27, July 7, 2009

    “The Department of Labor is back in the enforcement business,” said Secretary of Labor...

Q&A: Break room sink and instrument decontamination

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 27, July 7, 2009

    Q: Is it OK to use the break room sink for soaking and decontaminating instruments?

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 27, July 7, 2009

    Should OSHA develop a standard to protect healthcare workers and first responders from MRSA...

OSHA Watch, July/August 2009

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 4, July 1, 2009

    OSHA Watch is a bimonthly newsletter focusing on OSHA compliance and general safety needs for...

Correctional healthcare workers face added risks

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 26, June 30, 2009

    The increased risks of bloodborne pathogens exposure to healthcare workers in correctional...

Q&A: Fashionable scrubs and safety

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 26, June 30, 2009

    Q: A number of uniform suppliers offer capri style scrub pants. Are laboratory techs and...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 26, June 30, 2009

    The summer weather sometimes brings with it a relaxed dress code from healthcare workers. Although...

Goof-prone cartoon entertains and instructs

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 24, June 16, 2009

    When you see a scrub team member wearing Crocs with ventilation holes standing in a puddle of...

Take the OSHA Healthcare Advisor survey; win a training video

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 24, June 16, 2009

    We are so pleased with the number of visitors to the OSHA Healthcare Advisor that we want to know...

Q&A: Terrorist attacks and OSHA violations

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 24, June 16, 2009

    Q: This may appear to be a weird question, but would OSHA fine a business for worker injuries from...

When caring for patients brings fear for safety

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 23, June 9, 2009

    Caring for patients and healthcare professionals’ need to attend to their own safety was the...

Q&A: Training for bloodborne pathogens

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 23, June 9, 2009

    Q: When does OSHA require bloodborne pathogens training?

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 22, June 9, 2009

    Has concern for your own safety affected the way you treat patients with potentially infectious...

Protection from aerosol transmissible diseases now the standard in California

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 22, June 2, 2009

    With the adoption of a new occupational health and safety standard on May 21, California workers...

Ruling on guns in workplace parking lots upheld

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 22, June 2, 2009

    Oklahoma employers may not prohibit workers from having firearms in locked cars on company parking...

Q&A: HBV vacation and summer employment

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 22, June 2, 2009

    Q: Must an employer offer the hepatitis B vaccination to a summer employee who will not be employed...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 22, June 2, 2009

    Since California adopted an aerosol transmissible disease standard, would this be a good idea for a...

Physician offices should seek business occupancy status

  • Healthcare Life Safety Compliance, Issue 6, June 1, 2009

    In smaller settings, life safety can easily be buried at the bottom of the to-do list, in part...

Briefings on Hospital Safety, June 2009

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 6, June 1, 2009

    Briefings on Hospital Safety is the industry leader in covering The Joint Commission, OSHA, and...

Congress will again consider a safe patient lifting law

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 22, May 27, 2009

    The third time might be a charm for supporters of a national safe patient handling and lifting law.

Congress to consider safe patient lifting law

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 21, May 26, 2009

    Third time might be a charm for supporters of a national safe patient handling and lifting law.

Q&A: Waiting room aquarium

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 21, May 26, 2009

    Q: Is an aquarium allowed in the waiting room of a medical office?

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 21, May 26, 2009

    Do you think there should be a safe patient lifting and handling law? This week's OSHA Healthcare...

OSHA will enforce pandemic-related regulations

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 20, May 19, 2009

    Strained resources and lack of supplies won’t get you a pass from OSHA regulations during an...

OSHA updates pandemic influenza resources

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 20, May 19, 2009

    In response to the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak OSHA has added or updated documents appearing on its...

Q&A: Post-exposure costs and employment termination

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 20, May 19, 2009

    Q: An employee left our practice before needlestick post-exposure follow up was completed. When we...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 20, May 19, 2009

    Should OSHA continue stringent enforcement during a pandemic? This week's OSHA Healthcare Advisor...

Mac’s Safety Space: Two approaches--or maybe more?--to thwarting latex balloons

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 19, May 12, 2009

    Join Steve MacArthur, safety consultant for The Greeley Company, as he offers advice and best...

Hazardous drugs added to NIOSH list

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 19, May 12, 2009

    NIOSH has proposed adding 24 pharmaceuticals to its list of hazardous drugs found in healthcare...

Q&A: MSDS information by telephone

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 19, May 12, 2009

    Q: Is receiving material safety data sheet (MSDS) information by telephone an adequate backup...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 19, May 12, 2009

    When cases of influenza A H1N1 began to spread a little over two weeks ago, did you have a plan to...

OSHA Watch, May/June 2009

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 3, May 8, 2009

    OSHA Watch is a bimonthly newsletter focusing on OSHA compliance and general safety needs for...

Free Web expo highlights Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 18, May 5, 2009

    This Wednesday, May 6, is Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day, an opportunity to...

California relaxes swine flu respirator rules

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 18, May 5, 2009

    Perhaps lost in the avalanche of swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), information posted by federal...

Q&A: In-person training requirements

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 18, May 5, 2009

    Q: Must the trainer be physically present when conducting OSHA employee training?

Workers' Memorial Day April 28: For those who did not come home alive, healthy, or safe

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 17, April 28, 2009

    Today is Workers' Memorial Day, which recognizes U.S. workers who died or sustained injuries or...

Safety officer tip: Lettering in OSHA letters

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 17, April 28, 2009

    Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy list of OSHA interpretation letters to answer those...

CDC offers interim guidance on swine flu and respirator use

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 17, April 28, 2009

    With early reports of swine-flu-related deaths in Mexico and 20 confirmed U.S. cases in five states...

Q&A: Respirators and beards

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 17, April 28, 2009

    Q: A male worker needs to be fit tested for an N95 respirator, but has a beard and will not shave...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 17, April 28, 2009

    A report by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations claims that...

Tip of the week: Meet the new head of OSHA

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 16, April 22, 2009

    OSHA now has a decidedly vocal safety advocate at the helm.

Outspoken safety advocate leads OSHA

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 16, April 21, 2009

    OSHA now has a decidedly vocal safety advocate at the helm. Last week Jordan Barab, President...

AFL-CIO: Healthcare workers not protected from pandemic flu danger

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 16, April 21, 2009

    Many healthcare facilities exhibit a “lack of readiness” to protect workers in the...

Q&A: Physician, do thy laundry

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 16, April 21, 2009

    Q: A doctor in our practice so strongly objects to paper gowns that she is willing to do the...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 16, April 21, 2009

    Are things about to change with President Obama’s appointment of Jordan Barab to lead OSHA...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 15, April 14, 2009

    Since the presidential election there has been talk about an ergonomics standard or even specific...

Q&A: Lids on red-bag waste containers

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 15, April 14, 2009

    Q: Where can I find the OSHA regulation for lids on red-bag containers? We are having a dispute on...

Mercury spill suspends OR operations

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 14, April 7, 2009

    The operating room at Sun Health Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ, became non-operational when 22...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 14, April 7, 2009

    Annual safety retraining is often viewed by staff members as a repetitive burden rather than an...

Q&A: Patients and sharps disposal

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 14, April 7, 2009

    Q: I know this is outside the workplace safety realm, but a patient asked how he should properly...

Mercury spill in operating room

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 13, April 2, 2009

    Sun Health Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ experienced a brief scare on March 21, after 22 to 30...

Two years later, patient handling bill is reintroduced

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 13, March 31, 2009

    After submitting a patient handling bill in 2006 intended to protect workers, U.S. Representative...

Misuse of insulin pens grabs FDA attention

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 13, March 31, 2009

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release warning healthcare professionals...

OSHA Healthcare Advisor Poll

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 13, March 31, 2009

    Questions regarding OSHA standards come into OSHA Healthcare Advisor all the time. This week's poll...

Q&A: Tap or bottled water

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 13, March 31, 2009

    Q: The tap water in the office is terrible. Doesn’t OSHA require an employer to provide safe...

Nevada officials claim most clinics have IC deficiencies

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 12, March 24, 2009

    Health officials say 25 of 49 outpatient clinics in Nevada have infection control deficiencies.

New Canadian standard published for smoky ORs

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 12, March 24, 2009

    The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) introduced a new standard to help eliminate toxic airborne...

Asking the Bard for bloodborne pathogen advice

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 12, March 24, 2009

    For an offbeat take on OSHA requirements, check out "Using Shakespeare for bloodborne...

Are you in a high-risk state for OSHA inspections?

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 11, March 17, 2009

    For OSHA inspections of physician practices, 10 states accounted for 72% of all inspections. Some...

APIC urges patients to inquire about IC practices

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 11, March 17, 2009

    With CDC reports pointing out infection control gaps in ambulatory settings, the Association for...

Q&A: How can OSHA cite a facility on TB when it doesn’t have a TB standard?

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 11, March 17, 2009

    It is true that OSHA withdrew its proposed TB standard on December 31, 2003, but the agency...

OSHA posts pandemic influenza resources

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 10, March 10, 2009

    OSHA added pandemic influenza to its list of safety and health topic Web pages, citing the...

Hepatitis scare prompts new laws for Nevada healthcare facilities

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 10, March 10, 2009

    Nevada legislators are considering at least eight bills aimed at preventing infection control...

Q&A: Disinfecting medical devices with the dishwasher

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 10, March 10, 2009

    You will not be able to disinfect medical devices in a household or office dishwasher; only...

Obama’s budget to increase OSHA’s enforcement arsenal

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 9, March 3, 2009

    President Obama's budget blueprint for 2010 calls for reversing an eight-year trend of dwindling...

OSHA: Needle removal device may be OK, but placement is the key

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 9, March 3, 2009

    OSHA posted a letter of interpretation last week stating that the Q104 needle removal device could...

Q&A: Safety needle device as sharps container

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 9, March 3, 2009

    No. OSHA does not consider an activated safety device as a waste container because it is a...

Bloodborne remains No. 1, but asbestos jump is notable

  • Hospital Safety Center, Issue 3, March 1, 2009

    Although bloodborne pathogens violations continue to be the top employee safety issue in general...

OSHA Watch, March/April 2009

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 2, March 1, 2009

    OSHA Watch is a bimonthly newsletter focusing on OSHA compliance and general safety needs for...

Nurses needlestick woes, not only in America

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 8, February 24, 2009

    Looks like serious occupational hazards are the same for nurses on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

No time like the present for flu shots

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 8, February 24, 2009

    Think again, if you assume you successfully dodged the flu bug this year without the help of...

Q&A: Frequent OSHA violations during physician practice inspections

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 8, February 24, 2009

    By far the most frequent violations in 2008 for offices and clinics of doctors of medicine were...

Tip of the week: Remember to post your OSHA Form 300A

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 7, February 18, 2009

    If you’re covered by federal OSHA regulations, here’s a reminder that you should have...

CDC offers emergency planning for physician offices

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 7, February 17, 2009

    The CDC on February 11 posted a new Web page for physician office staff members charged with...

River-dumped medical waste costs facility big bucks

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 7, February 17, 2009

    A Michigan nursing care facility agreed to pay $13,000 in civil penalties for its part in polluting...

Q&A: Determining exemption from OSHA’s injury posting requirement

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 7, February 17, 2009

    How do I determine if my business is exempt from OSHA's annual injury posting requirement?

Mac’s Safety Space: The use of safety vests by snow-clearing workers hinges on risk assessment

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 6, February 11, 2009

    Join Steve MacArthur, safety consultant for The Greeley Company, as he offers advice and best...

Effectiveness of N95s not a problem after prolonged storage

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 6, February 10, 2009

    Unlike fine wine, disposable N95 filtering face piece respirators don’t get better with age...

Drilling in on dental bioaerosol hazards

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 6, February 10, 2009

    Particles which originate from the patients’ mouth and from the biofilms found in dental...

Q&A: Annual electrical inspection

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 6, February 10, 2009

    Q: Does OSHA require an electrical inspection each year?

Stay posted with free posters from OSHA

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 5, February 3, 2009

    OSHA  reminds all healthcare facilities, medical and dental practices included, about the...

Latex allergies afflict healthcare workers

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 5, February 3, 2009

    Despite the move to latex-free devices and personal protective equipment, latex allergies remain a...

Medical Environment Update, February 2009

  • Medical Environment Update, Issue 2, February 1, 2009

    Medical Environment Update is a monthly newsletter focusing on OSHA compliance and general safety...

TB patients sentenced to 30 days of isolation

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 4, January 27, 2009

    There are plenty of airborne precautions for staff to follow when a tuberculosis (TB) patient...

Catch a break on OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 4, January 27, 2009

    While many businesses are busy tabulating workplace injuries to meet the OSHA posting requirement...

Q&A: Eliminating material safety data sheets without incurring an OSHA violation

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 4, January 27, 2009

    May I eliminate material safety data sheets for household products without incurring an OSHA...

An ergonomics standard isn't a lock even with Obama in office

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 3, January 21, 2009

    Don’t be too sure that OSHA under President Obama will release an ergonomics standard. At a...

Better infection control measures needed in ambulatory care settings

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 3, January 20, 2009

    A study by the CDC has pinned unsafe injection practices on 33 outbreaks of hepatitis in U.S...

Ergonomics standard not a sure bet

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 3, January 20, 2009

    Don’t be too sure that OSHA under the Obama administration will promulgate an ergonomics...

Q&A: End-of-the-day exam room cleaning

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 3, January 20, 2009

    Q: I’m concerned that housekeeping staff are not cleaning and replacing the paper on exam...

It’s not too late for workplace safety resolutions

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 2, January 13, 2009

    Need a New Year’s resolution for your workplace? How about resolving to keep your workplace...

A fork in the road: Bush OSHA vs. Obama OSHA

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 2, January 13, 2009

    With the Obama administration about to start next week, the Bush-era OSHA legacy has taken some...

Q&A: Paying for HBV testing

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 2, January 13, 2009

    Q: Are we required to encourage staff to have titers done after their third hepatitis B vaccination...

Celebrate our 10th anniversary by entering our free contest

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 1, January 7, 2009

    We want to thank all of you who’ve been loyal readers along the way, and we’re excited...

Waste not, want not: Filling up with liposuction

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 1, January 6, 2009

    When the going gets tough, the tough get creative. At least that’s what Beverly Hills, CA...

Needlesticks rank second among 2008 healthcare hazards

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 1, January 6, 2009

    When it comes to dangerous technology in healthcare settings, needlesticks are bested only by alarm...

Ask the expert

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 1, January 1, 2009

    Does hand washing surveillance fall under OSHA? What's the difference between serious and willful...

In the news

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 1, January 1, 2009

    Depending the type of facility you work at, you may be enjoying an OSHA exemption this month. In...

Disinfection and sterilization guideline and MRSA policy

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 1, January 1, 2009

    This month, Quality America focuses on the new CDC guideline for disinfection and sterilization and...

Medical Environment Update January, 2009

  • Medical Environment Update, Issue 1, January 1, 2009

    Medical Environment Update is a monthly newsletter focusing on OSHA compliance and general safety...

Study: Device availability and enforcement cut needlestick exposures

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 52, December 30, 2008

    Needlestick incidents declined 34% among U.S. healthcare workers from 1993 to 2004, according to a...

OSHA touts focused and efficient inspection activity

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 52, December 30, 2008

    OSHA issued its most recent inspection activity report on December 19 and characterized its work as...

Q&A: Electric outlet covers

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 52, December 30, 2008

    Q: Do the electric outlets in our patient waiting area need safety covers?

OSHA to employers: PPE for all

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 51, December 23, 2008

    OSHA gave notice on December 12 that it has standardized the requirement for providing employees...

Study shows female and young workers hit hardest by workplace allergies

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 51, December 23, 2008

    A study conducted by the Occupational Health & Safety Agency for Healthcare in British Columbia...

Occupational Health and Safety Forms

  • Medical Environment Update, Issue 0, December 17, 2008

    These Occupational Health and Safety Forms provide you with all of the updates for your OSHA Health...

When the economy takes a bite out of emergency preparedness

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 50, December 16, 2008

    A report from Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF...

OSHA Hospital eTool focuses on MRSA

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 50, December 16, 2008

    With medical facilities across the country becoming more concerned about MRSA infections, OSHA has...

Q&A: Space heater approval

  • OSHA Healthcare Connection, Issue 50, December 16, 2008

    Q: Is it against regulations to use a space heater in a physician office?

Medical Environment Update December, 2008

  • Medical Environment Update, Issue 12, December 1, 2008

    Medical Environment Update is a monthly newsletter focusing on OSHA compliance and general safety...

Mac’s Safety Space: A quick rundown of certified safety programs

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 48, November 19, 2008

    Join Steve MacArthur, safety consultant for The Greeley Company, as he offers advice and best...

Tip of the week: Review OSHA’s healthcare workplace violence guidelines

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 47, November 12, 2008

    A story about assaults on nurses in the Boston area should remind everyone that while OSHA...

State warning: Novartis vaccine lacks safety device

  • Hospital Safety Connection, Issue 46, November 5, 2008

    If you are using Novartis flu vaccine products, you should probably take a second look.

Ask The Expert

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 6, November 5, 2008

    This month's "Ask the Expert" answers questions about source patient blood draw, cleaning...

Tip of the Week: Check out OSHA Healthcare Advisor

  • Emergency Management Alert, Issue 42, November 4, 2008

    Have you heard about my new blog dealing with OSHA compliance for healthcare facilities?

OSHA renews Red Cross alliance

  • Emergency Management Alert, Issue 33, September 2, 2008

    OSHA and the American Red Cross renewed an alliance to improve employee awareness of safety and...

Sharps injury log, artificial nails, staffing agency, anonymous complaints, physicians as employees

  • OSHA Watch, Issue 5, September 1, 2008

    Although the bloodborne pathogens section of OSHA standards generally requires employers to keep a...