OSHA recently announced they will be expanding their enforcement resources in hospitals and nursing homes. Targeting the most common causes of workplace injury and illness in the healthcare industry, OSHA will primarily focus on musculoskeletal disorders related to:
- Patient handling
- Bloodborne pathogen
- Workplace violence
- Tuberculosis
- Slips, trips and falls
OSHA states that in 2013, US Hospitals recorded nearly 58,000 work-related injuries and illnesses – amounting to 6.4 work-related injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time employees. These numbers are almost two times as high as the overall rate for private industry.
How Can You Prepare?
Don’t wait for OSHA. At R&R, we highly recommend taking action now to develop a plan and prepare for a potential inspection. To better prepare your organization and your administrators, take time to answer the questions below and determine an execution plan for each of the key areas. We have also provided links below to audit materials centered on these key topics.
For audit materials on any of the topics below, or to learn how your organization can better prepare for an inspection, contact safety@rrins.com.
- Patient Handling
- Infection Control
- Exposure Control
- Workplace Violence
- Tuberculosis
- Slips, Trips and Falls
