Here are six of the most frequently found hazards in medical offices, according to a publication released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
1. Bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) — This is the most frequently requested and referenced OSHA standard affected medical offices. Some basic requirements of this standard include a written exposure control plan to be updated annually and use of universal precautions.
2. Hazard communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) — This standard requires employee access to hazard information. Basic requirements of this standard include a written hazard communication program and a list of hazardous chemicals.
3. Ionizing radiation standard (29 CFR 1910.1096) — This standard applies to facilities that have an X-ray machine and requires, among other things, restricted areas to limit employee exposure and caution signs in rooms and on equipment.
5. Electrical standards (Subpart S-Electrical 29 CFR 1910.301 to 1910.399) — These standards address electrical safety requirements to safeguard employees. OSHA electrical standards apply to electrical equipment and wiring in hazardous locations. If facilities use flammable gases, you may need special wiring and equipment installation. In addition to reading the full text of the OSHA standard, facilities should check with their insurance company or local fire department or request an OSHA consultation for help.
6. Recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses (29 CFR 1904) — Medical offices are exempt from maintaining an official log of reportable injuries and illnesses under OSHA regulation. However, these facilities may be required to maintain such records in some states.
1. Bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) — This is the most frequently requested and referenced OSHA standard affected medical offices. Some basic requirements of this standard include a written exposure control plan to be updated annually and use of universal precautions.
2. Hazard communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) — This standard requires employee access to hazard information. Basic requirements of this standard include a written hazard communication program and a list of hazardous chemicals.
3. Ionizing radiation standard (29 CFR 1910.1096) — This standard applies to facilities that have an X-ray machine and requires, among other things, restricted areas to limit employee exposure and caution signs in rooms and on equipment.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
4. Exit routes standards (29 CFR Subpart E 1910.35, 1910.36, 1910.37, 1910.38 and 1910.39) — These standards require provision of safe and accessible building exits in the case of emergency. Basic requirements include exit routes sufficient for the number of employees and a diagram of evacuation routes posted in a visible location.5. Electrical standards (Subpart S-Electrical 29 CFR 1910.301 to 1910.399) — These standards address electrical safety requirements to safeguard employees. OSHA electrical standards apply to electrical equipment and wiring in hazardous locations. If facilities use flammable gases, you may need special wiring and equipment installation. In addition to reading the full text of the OSHA standard, facilities should check with their insurance company or local fire department or request an OSHA consultation for help.
6. Recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses (29 CFR 1904) — Medical offices are exempt from maintaining an official log of reportable injuries and illnesses under OSHA regulation. However, these facilities may be required to maintain such records in some states.
Related Articles on OSHA:
Staff Education Tool: OSHA Fact Sheet on Handling Sharps
19 FAQs About OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
OSHA to Launch Workplace Safety Program to Help Curb High Incidence of Healthcare Injuries