Tuesday, September 30, 2008

OSHA Violations for Physician's Offices

In the last six months OSHA has fined medical practices for violating standards on hazard communications, exit routes, personal protective equipment, sanitation, portable fire extinguishers, and medical services and first aid. That last category included a $1,375 initial fine for not providing an emergency eyewash station.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Immunizations

National Adult Immunization Awareness Week (NAIAW), September 21-27, is a good opportunity for healthcare workers to check that they are up-to-date on recommended immunizations. According to "Immunizations Strongly Recommended for Health-Care Personnel," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, December 19, 2003, healthcare workers should have documented proof of the following immunizations:
Hepatitis B
Influenza
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Varicella-zoster

Waste Dumping Draws Felony Charges

A Pennsylvania dentist, Thomas W. McFarland Jr., 59, of Wynnewood, has been charged with two third-degree felonies after illegally dumping medical waste that washed up on a New Jersey beach in late August, according to Waste News, September 8. On August 22, 2008, McFarland, who practices in Pennsylvania but owns a beach house in Middle Township, NJ, allegedly took his small motor boat to the Townsend Inlet and dumped syringes, cotton swabs, and capsules used to store filling material. A day later the debris washed onto the Avalon shore. After admitting to the crime, McFarland may now face up to 5 years in prison for each charge and as much as $125,000 in fines.

Cleaning Blood Spills From Carpets

In a letter of interpretation on June 10, 1994, OSHA stated "that carpeted surfaces cannot be routinely decontaminated," but it makes no specific recommendations for decontamination. The letter explains that even though in most cases there is minimal dermal exposure to carpeting, employers must make a reasonable effort to clean and sanitize carpeting with carpet detergent/cleaner products. Carpet should not be used in areas where the chance of blood and body fluid spills can occur.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Pediatric Source Blood Draws

Labs in a pediatric faciity need to draw source-patient blood after a needlestick exposure just as in an adult facility. You cannot claim to observe universal precautions, which OSHA requires, when you assume that blood or body fluids from a pediatric patient pose no risk in an occupational exposure. If you don't obtain a blood sample, even from a pediatric patient, you are not in compliance with the OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Workplace Safety

On this Labor Day, OSHA reminds everyone to make workplace safety and health a top priority. Through its balanced approach, OSHA helps to assure employee safety and health by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. There are a number of OSHA resources available to assist employers and employees in identifying workplace hazards and possible solutions to those hazards.