It’s Your Call July 2018

HIPAA checklist

OSHA: One of our exit doors locks from the outside. What are the OSHA guidelines for exit doors that are locked inside? According to standard 1910.36(d), An exit door must be unlocked. Employees must be able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. A […]

It’s your Call June 2018

running from needle syringe

OSHA: Our office automatically provides a Hepatitis B titer for all new hires. Is this acceptable? No. The CDC recommends a titer only if there is documented proof of the vaccination series. If the employee cannot provide documentation of such, then the Hepatitis B series and titer should be offered at the employer’s cost. Alternatively, […]

It’s your Call May 2018

OSHA: What is the risk of Hepatitis C infection from a needlestick exposure to a positive Hepatitis C patient? There is .1% risk of infection after a needlestick or sharps exposure to Hepatitis C (HCV) positive blood. In the event of occupational exposure, CDC guidance suggests testing the source patient for HCV RNA which can […]

It’s Your Call April 2018

caution signs

It’s Your Call OSHA: Does your office have caution signs?  If so, are the signs OSHA compliant? Caution signs are meant to warn against potential hazards like hot surfaces or wet floors. OSHA requires a specific design for these signs. The sigh should have a yellow background and a black panel with yellow letters. Any […]

It’s Your Call March 2018

eyewash

OSHA: Why does the water from the eyewash need to be tepid? OSHA refers to the 2014 ANSI standard Z358.1 which states that the water temperature delivered by emergency equipment should be tepid. Tepid is defined to be between 60°F (16°C) and 100°F (38°C). Citations may be issued under OSHA standard CFR 1910.151 if the drenching/flushing […]

It’s Your Call February 2018

OSHA: Employees have complained about headaches and breathing problems when they work in a specific part of our building. What should I do? Foremost, the complaints should not be ignored. If employees have similar symptoms that appear to resolve after leaving the building or specific work area, then contact a vendor to test indoor air […]

It’s your Call January 2018

heater

HIPAA: Do I need a Business Associate Agreement for the cleaning service? No. A business associate agreement is not required with persons or businesses whose function does not involve the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) and where any access would be incidental. This includes janitorial service staff whose access is only a […]

It’s Your Call November 2017

OSHA:  Your local news has just reported an increase in active TB cases. What employee documents should be in place in light of this information?

It’s Your Call October 2017

OSHA Secondary Labels

OSHA:  Secondary Labels Is our office required to use GHS labeling on secondary labels? Yes, GHS labeling is required on secondary labels. There are two options for secondary/workplace labels. OSHA regulation 1910.1200(f)(6) states that each container should be labeled, tagged, or marked with either: Option 1:  Product identifier, signal word, hazard statement(s), pictogram(s), and precautionary […]

It’s Your Call September 2017

fire drills

OSHA:  Does OSHA require annual fire drills?             No. However, annual fire drills are strongly suggested. OSHA’s Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool, 1910.38(f), employers must review the emergency action plan with each employee covered by the plan: When the plan is developed or the employee is assigned initially to a […]