OSHA: Does our office have to keep the 300 Workplace Injury and Illness Log? OSHA uses the data from these logs to assess and remove safety and health hazards. Establishments that have 250 or more employees and high risk industries with 20-249 employees must electronically submit the form. The list of high risk industries can […]
Most every day it seems a new report emerges about an organization that has been compromised. Big names such as Equifax, Neiman Marcus, Target and Home Depot have all made the dreaded announcement of a data breach and even a local Dunkin Donuts franchise in announced that their patron’s information had been inappropriately accessed. The […]
When it comes to cyber security, you are on top of it! You have complex password phrases, password lockers, tight privacy settings on your social media, and even physical safeguards in place. Well done! Unfortunately, scammers and cyber criminals are also on top of their game, continually evolving their techniques and exploiting technological and psychological […]
OSHA: We have a broken fluorescent light bulb. I’ve heard this is an issue, but why? Fluorescent light bulbs may emit a small amount of mercury vapor when the bulb is broken. To minimize risks, the EPA describes several cleanup and disposal steps at https://www.epa.gov/cfl/cleaning-broken-cfl#instructions. LED lightbulbs are an alternative to fluorescent lightbulbs. They do […]
In their most recent newsletter, OCR reminds all that HIPAA rules require that you protect patient information with technological, administrative and physical safeguards. OCR states: “While the latest security solutions to combat new threats and vulnerabilities get much deserved attention, appropriate physical security controls are often overlooked. Yet physical security controls remain essential and often […]
OSHA: Our office hired a clinical worker who does not have proof of Hepatitis B 3-shot series. Can we just provide a pre-employment titer? No. If an employee does not have proof, offer a 3-dose series of hepatitis B vaccine, test for anti-HBs in 1–2 months, and document the result in the employee’s health record. […]
Prior to 2012, the Hazard Communication Standard, as we knew it, remained somewhat of a mystery. It was difficult to teach and even more difficult to learn due to the lack of consistency and uniformity. Non-compliance seemed to be a result of a failure to understand more so than a willful lack of care. The […]
We’ve all seen that dusty manual that has been pushed to the back of the cabinet in labs and sterilization areas. Formally known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS) often find their home in a book that is rarely read. Safety Data Sheets can be your best friend if you are […]
OSHA: When using a disinfectant wipe, what type of gloves should you use? The gloves types will vary based upon the disinfectant type, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) recommendations, and instructions for use. The SDS for Caviwipes, for example, recommends impervious gloves such as butyl rubber or nitrile for operations which may result in prolonged or […]
In June 2018 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance related to streamlining authorization under HIPAA for uses and disclosures of protected health information (PHI) for research. Under the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, HHS is required to help simplify the research process by clarifying: 1. the authorization for use or […]
