OSHA Requirements for Health Care Facilities

Not surprisingly, health care facilities make health and safety high priorities. As in other industries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration set up guidelines and requirements to protect workers as they do their jobs within the health care industry. When health care facilities comply with these federal standards, the chances of illness and injury resulting from working in the facilities decline, in contrast to any facility in violation of the requirements.

Hazard Communications

• To avoid unsafe contact and take proper precautions when dealing with hazardous chemicals, health care facilities educate all employees on the hazardous chemicals in the workplace. OSHA requires health care facilities to provide employees with a written hazard communication program, since the facilities commonly have hazardous chemicals and drugs on premises.

  Employees have a right to know details about any dangerous chemicals they may come in contact with. Employees also have the right to information regarding what safety measures are required to prevent adverse effects from occurring as a result of these hazardous materials. The hazard communication program covers this information and more.

Blood-Borne Pathogens

• Health care facilities are naturally exposed to blood-borne pathogens because of the nature of the work performed there. OSHA's standards require the protection of health care workers from exposure to these infectious materials, including blood and other bodily fluids. OSHA requires health care facilities to provide thorough training to employees who work around any pathogens. The facility must develop a written plan concerning exposure control, according to the OSHA website.

  The prevention methods for stopping infections vary depending on the medical setting, but they often include basic safety requirements, such as the use of self-sheathing needles, gloves, masks and gowns. Vaccinations are sometimes required, as are free postexposure examinations for potentially infected workers. Labeling and signage exist to indicate hazards.

Restrict Access to Radiation

• OSHA requirements for health care facilities regulate the use of X-ray machines or other devices that may cause a radiation threat to workers. Any facility using radiation-emitting technology must disclose the type and create a floor plan, so that restricted areas can be clearly marked to allow only authorized personnel in the area. Those working in the areas must wear radiation monitors. Proper warning signs are posted to inform workers of the threat.

Personnel Protective Equipment

• In order to comply with OSHA standards, health care facilities determine whether workers in the facility need to wear personal protective equipment, or PPE. OSHA prefers facilities to handle hazardous conditions by modifying those conditions, but when it is not possible, workers must wear PPE, which includes protective gloves, safety goggle, shoe covers and all other protective gear worn by workers in the health care environment to minimize risk of injury or infection.