In healthcare workplaces, various hazards can pose risks to the well-being of healthcare workers, patients, and anyone else in the workspace. From chemical and drug exposure to sharps injuries, healthcare workers face multiple potential exposures that require careful management and prevention strategies.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) ensures the safety and well-being of workers across various industries and workplaces. The OSH Act sets forth a "general duty clause" requiring employers to provide a hazard-free working environment that does not pose any recognized threats of serious harm or death to employees. It created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency responsible for enforcing its provisions.
One important aspect of OSHA's regulatory framework is the hazard communication standard. This standard aims to promote chemical safety in the workplace by requiring employers to provide written information about the identities and hazards associated with chemicals used in the workplace. This information should be easily accessible to employees and presented in a clear and understandable manner.
One of the main hazards that healthcare workers often face is chemical and drug exposure. This can occur through the handling and administration of medications, exposure to hazardous chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection processes, and contact with hazardous substances such as chemotherapy drugs. Another hazard is sharps injuries, which can result from accidental needlesticks or other sharp object injuries that may expose healthcare workers to bloodborne pathogens.
However, these hazards are just two examples among a variety of potential exposures in healthcare workplaces. Other hazards can include physical emergencies such as slips, trips, and falls, as well as biological emergencies like infectious disease outbreaks. Healthcare workers may also be at risk of laser hazards and anesthetic gas exposures. Healthcare organizations need to be aware of these hazards and implement measures to mitigate the risks they pose.
Related: How HIPAA and OSHA work together
To prevent hazards in healthcare workplaces, a multifaceted approach is required. Compliance with OSHA regulations and guidelines is necessary, and healthcare organizations should ensure that their compliance officers and safety managers implement the proper training to mitigate risks. Additionally, safety protocols should be established, and risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential hazards. Utilizing safety data sheets (SDS) when needed and implementing risk-based engineering controls are also important prevention tactics.
OSHA regulates health and safety within workplaces, including healthcare settings. When it comes to hazard prevention, OSHA outlines five primary elements that healthcare organizations should consider:
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed severe workplace violence at Wekiva Springs Hospital in Jacksonville. Workers endured assaults, confinement by patients, and injuries including broken bones, concussions, and wounds from scratching, biting, punching, and kicking.
OSHA found that in 2022 alone, there were 182 alleged incidents, with nearly 70% requiring police response. The facility failed to protect staff from recognized hazards, resulting in a citation for a serious violation and proposed penalties of $15,625.
What are the general OSHA standards for healthcare?
The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act requires employers to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury.
If my workplace is unsafe, what can I do?
If you believe working conditions are unsafe or unhealthy, you can bring the conditions to your employer's attention, contact your local OSHA Office, or file a safety and health complaint.
Why is workplace safety important in healthcare?
Workplace safety is important in healthcare to protect the well-being of healthcare workers, patients, and anyone else in the workspace. By ensuring a safe work environment, healthcare organizations can minimize the risks associated with hazards and promote the overall health and safety of their employees and patients.