What is Hazard Communication? Hazard Communication, also known as HazCom, was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure employers and employees understand the hazards associated with the chemicals they work with. HazCom aims to reduce the risk of injury or illness caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals in the workplace. What...
The COVID-19 pandemic caused extensive stress across our healthcare system, leading to fewer resources, workforce shortages, exhaustion, burnout, and increasing rates of violence against healthcare workers. The American Hospital Association (AHA) found that 44% of nurses reported an increase in physical violence since the pandemic, and 68% reported an increase in verbal abuse. Becker’s Hospital...
OSHA Training and its program requirements are common topics of concern among healthcare and safety professionals. Effective training is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure a safe and healthy workplace for employees. In this article, we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about OSHA and review training...
Each year, the National Safety Council (NSC) designates June as National Safety Month to help bring awareness to the importance of ensuring safety in the workplace. This year, MedSafe is highlighting fall prevention and tips for reducing falls in the workplace. Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and death....
As per the Occupational Safety and health Administration, “Many employers with more than 10 employees are required to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. (Certain low-risk industries are exempted.) Although dental and physician offices are exempt, keep in mind that dental and physician offices are not exempt from recording injuries on a sharps...
On June 10, 2021, OSHA (the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration) released the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). This establishes new mandatory requirements, applicable to the healthcare industry. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, presents “a grave danger” to workers in healthcare settings according to OSHA. Since people with COVID-19 are...
COVID-19 has changed the way healthcare facilities and medical practices deliver patient care across the world. Most medical practices in the US have re-opened, and the majority are adhering to strict safety procedures provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Among these guidelines are social-distancing measures for physician practices, which take very careful planning...
1) How can a medical practice establish effective medical staff safety protocols? The CDC recommends the following best practices: · Implement source control for all visitors, patients, and staff entering your practice or health care facility, regardless of symptoms. · Encourage patients and visitors to wear cloth masks when visiting to prevent transmission from non-symptomatic individuals. · Screen patients...
Many private medical practices have re-opened since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and are adhering to the safety guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), OSHA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In addition to these guidelines, below are some COVID-19 safety recommendations for medical practices providing patient care...
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have provided some helpful preparedness tips for medical offices and clinics to ensure their preparedness for COVID-19 and help protect your patients and healthcare workers. These best practices are critical to helping to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Before Patients Arrive Communicate with patients. Train and prepare your...
