Any electrical violation will always be considered serious and carry a fine. There are two reasons why OSHA will always pay attention to electrical safety during inspections: Electrical shock can be fatal. According to OSHA about five workers are electrocuted each week. Electrical fires burn fast. A study by the U.S. Fire Administration found electrical malfunction […]
Infection Control – Back to Basics! Infection prevention and control is more than the sum of a task list, appropriate equipment, and written policies and procedures. They are all important elements and the foundation of a strong infection control program and a culture of safety for every healthcare environment. From leader to volunteers, everyone must […]
When you have a breach of Protected Health Information (PHI) the practice will have to notify the affected patients, Health and Human Services (HHS) and potentially other parties. The timing is critical. This month we will review notification requirements. Patient Notification You must provide notice to each affected patient in written form by first-class mail, […]
OSHA: Hazard Assessment The first step in developing a PPE program is to determine the type of hazards in your workplace and determine which PPE is necessary for protection. Has your office done a hazard assessment in your facility? Chemical hazards pose a wide range of health and physical hazards. Agents with any of the following […]
The last part of the OSHA inspection applies to you only if your practice has been cited or fined for a problem. You have the right to contest OSHA’s citations and fines. The first step of this process is to request an “Informal Conference” with the manager/supervisor who sent you the citation letter. Your inspector […]
OSHA Compliance Takes a Team The responsibility and commitment of the management of OSHA compliance often weighs heavily on the shoulders of a facility’s OSHA Compliance Officer. It is important to remember that successful compliance is not the job of one individual. OSHA compliance is everyone’s job and comes with rewards and consequences that affect […]
A medical facility that specialized in treating knee pain, in Wall, New Jersey voluntarily closed its doors in March 2017 after at least 30 patients developed infections. The cause of the infections was improperly handled injections. Don’t let this happen to you! Follow safe injection practices to avoid patient infection. For the full story, follow […]
OSHA: Orientation Checklist How long has it been since you hired a new employee? Did you cover all the basics to get them started? Or did you have endless questions from your new employee about things you forgot? Orientation checklists are a great tool to have on hand for new employee training. They are […]
First impressions count, and the way your office appears to patients, potential new employees or OSHA inspectors, should send the right message. Using a safety checklist can help. Does your practice look well-organized, efficient, and safety centered? The next time you enter your office, walk in the front door and visualize the space as a […]
Looking for more information on using engineered safety devices? We get a lot of questions at TMC about the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard requirement to use engineering controls, specifically sharps with engineered sharps protection often referred to as safety devices. Here are some specifics and resources you might find helpful if you are looking […]
