It’s Your Call November 2020 – Answers to OSHA and HIPAA Questions
It’s not uncommon for teams to have questions regarding OSHA and HIPAA regulations. We’ve outlined the following answers to some of the most common OSHA and HIPAA questions. OSHA: Which of the following requirements are necessary with the implementation of a Respiratory Protection Plan? Choose one. Written plan only Written plan and medical evaluation Written […]
Pandemic Preparedness Plan
TMC is pleased to provide an updated, more robust Pandemic Preparedness Plan. The updated plans include a very thorough Hazard Assessment Certificate, worker and visitor screening logs, and a tracking document for the ordering of respirators and other PPE and fit testing supplies. These PDF fillable plans, specific to medical and dental are complimentary […]
Respiratory Protection in Healthcare
March of 2020 marked the beginning of a new era in public health. Healthcare workers and compliance experts in infection prevention and control have been busy keeping up with everything there is to learn about the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the corresponding changes needed to provide safe health care such as proper respiratory protection. Wearing […]
It’s Your Call October 2020
OSHA: We have KN95 face filtering respirators (FFRs) from China. What is OSHA’s guidance about a written respiratory plan and fit test for respirators? In the April 3, 2020 enforcement memorandum, Federal OSHA explains why a written respiratory plan and fit test are required with the use of FFRs and air-purifying elastomeric respirators that are […]
Social Engineering and Cyberattacks
Pretending to be someone else over the phone was a lot easier before caller-ID was invented. People took advantage of it in fun ways (like making prank phone calls after school), and others did in inappropriate and illegal ways. After caller-ID became a standard feature, as with most technologies, ways to bypass or disable it […]
COVID -19 Plus Influenza: The Perfect Storm?
Influenza is a respiratory virus that is contagious and occurs throughout the year. It is caused by many different influenza viruses and can result in mild to severe illness. The very young and elderly are at increased risk for the development of complications which can lead to death. The best protection for everyone is to […]
It’s Your Call September 2020
OSHA: My employee wants to go to their own doctor for a respirator medical evaluation. What does OSHA say about this? OSHA’s standard 1910.134(e)(2)(i) requires employers to select a physician or other licensed health-care professional (PLHCP) to perform the medical evaluations. Typically, this is performed by a company physician or through an arrangement with a […]
Back to School Review Answers September 2020
The 7 systems of the human body are the central nervous system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, immune system, reproductive system, and skeletal structure and musculature. The average person’s body is 50-60% water. However, the brain is 70% water. The human brain weighs between 2.8 to 3 pounds. A healthy adult heart beats about […]
OSHA TRAINING DELAY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
All potentially exposed healthcare workers are required to have training in bloodborne pathogens “at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place” and “at least annually thereafter.” Unlike other types of training, OSHA has not released any new guidance on this issue. This means the rules are still in effect. […]
It’s Your Call August 2020
OSHA: What brands of sanitizer contain methanol? The FDA urges consumers not to use sanitizers with methanol. The current list of brands to be avoided can be found on their webpage: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol#products. The CDC has also stated that alcohol concentrations should be a minimum of either 60% ethanol and 70% isopropanol. Methanol, or wood alcohol, […]