OSHA Regulations for a Medical Office

OSHA is the acronym for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA standards serve to protect workers' safety and health in the workplace. In addition to OSHA standards, many states have developed State Occupational Safety and Health Plans. Offices that do not comply with OSHA standards may be assessed monetary penalties. These standards apply to all industries, including medical offices.

OSHA Communications

• All medical offices are required to post OSHA information in the workplace. OSHA poster (Publication 3165), or the state plan equivalent, must be displayed in view for all workers. The poster can be obtained at no cost through OSHA's website at osha.gov or by calling (800) 321-OSHA. Another OSHA publication, Model Plans and Programs for the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazard Communications Standards (Publication 3186-06N), is available and may serve as a template that can be modified to meet the medical office's needs for training or display purposes.

  A full listing of all OSHA regulations can be found on OSHA's website.

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

• The bloodborne pathogens standard is the most frequently referenced OSHA standard affecting medical offices. Bloodborne pathogens are Hepatitis B and C and HIV and AIDS, among other contagious viruses. The OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards require: written exposure control plan, precautions, use of safe needles, use of protective equipment such as gloves and masks, vaccines for Hepatitis B given to exposed employees for free, documentation of exposure incidence, labeling of containers and proper disposal of medical waste. Lastly, employees must be trained on these standards.

Other OSHA Standards

• OSHA standards also maintain requirements for hazardous materials, radiation and office exit routes. Medical offices must have a list of their onsite hazardous materials, written communications plan and a copy of the chemical's manufacturers' safety sheet. Radiation standards require a survey of the types of radiation used in the medical office, the limitations to employee exposure, use of protective gear around x-ray machines, and labeling for equipment. OSHA regulations require that medical offices provide a safe exit route and documentation of all such routes posted for employee to view. As with all OSHA regulations, employee training is required on these standards.