OSHA has added additional key hazards for workplace inspection focus

OSHA has added additional key hazards for workplace inspection focus

Did you know? On June 25th 2015 OSHA released new items of focus for Healthcare Inspections. The new focus items include: musculoskeletal disorders, bloodborne pathogens,workplace violence, tuberculosis and slips, trips and falls.

The newly released list targets some of the most common instances of injuries in the workplace. The list represents the US Department of Labor's (USDOL) OSHA plan to target medical facilities (specifically hospitals and nursing homes) for violations in: musculoskeletal disorders related to patient or resident handling; bloodborne pathogens; workplace violence; tuberculosis and slips, trips and falls.

According the USDOL, in 2013, U.S. hospitals recorded nearly 58,000 worker related injuries and illnesses. This report represent almost twice the number of injuries found in private industry and accounts for approximately 6.4 incidents or illnesses for every 100 workers.

Solutions: The new focus is based on reports that almost half of all reported incidents were from the nursing staff and were mainly overexertion injuries. There are solutions for preventing these types of injuries. Healthcare Compliance Pros offers training modules that are helpful in educating staff on ways to prevent workplace injuries. These courses include: Back Safety and Ergonomics in the Office Environment.

Healthcare Compliance Pros' OSHA course also covers items that are part of the USDOL newly released inspection focus plan: Bloodborne Pathogen management including sharps injuries, and general safety training.

Action: If you want to be even more proactive in making sure your workplace is free of workplace hazards we would also encourage you to take advantage of the HCP OSHA Self Inspection which provides an opportunity for you to act as an OSHA inspector in your physical environment. Areas of focus on the self inspection include:

  • General Work Environment
  • Building Safety (Including tripping hazards)
  • First-Aid and Medical Emergencies
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
  • Hazard Communication
  • Regulated Waste Management

We realize that workplace injuries can happen, but training staff on prevention and making sure the workplace is free of hazards will go a long way in keeping your incidents to a minimum. If you have any additional questions about the newly released list of inspection focus items or any other compliance questions, please place your comments below or send an email to [email protected] . You can also reach us by phone toll free at 855-427-0427