For anyone who’s ever worked in the construction or food industries, the term “OSHA” (or, Occupational Safety and Health Act) is already well known. With so many potential health and safety hazards in those job settings, it’s imperative that employees are aware of, and adhere to, the strictest of safety procedures. But were you aware that OSHA workplace safety training is just as critical in the healthcare industry?
That’s right – in the hurried halls of a hospital or clinic, where unsung medical professionals work diligently day in and day out to ensure the health and safety of their patients, the Occupational Safety and Health Act plays a protective role in making sure doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are operating in safe work environment.
In this blog, we’ll delve into all things OSHA, including a look at what OSHA healthcare training entails, why it’s so important, and what industry regulations must be followed to ensure employee and patient safety not only in hospitals and clinics, but also protecting the public and environment from the medical waste that accumulates in those kinds of settings.
What is OSHA Training?
Put most simply, the intent of OSHA workplace safety training is to educate healthcare professionals on the various safety standards and practices that help to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. By setting and enforcing certain standards that are specific to healthcare settings, OSHA, in effect, acts as the industry’s traffic cop.
Here’s a look at what the training typically entails:
Bloodborne Pathogens: Perhaps one of the most important regulations that needs to be followed, OSHA training focuses on how to handle and properly dispose of used sharps such as needles, as well as dealing with exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
Hazard Communication: While it’s pretty obvious that protocols need to be followed when using and disposing of hazardous chemicals and drugs, it’s also vitally important that healthcare employees are well-versed and fully understand labeling systems and safety data sheets for any hazardous substances they may encounter.
Infection Control: A commitment to infection control is paramount in healthcare settings. This includes guidelines on hand hygiene, proper waste disposal and disinfectant use, as well as the use of PPE, all of which, when combined, help to minimize the spread of infections.
Ergonomics: It may seem a bit odd that ergonomics is included in healthcare OSHA training, but in actuality it’s essential in helping workers understand how to prevent the musculoskeletal injuries that are so common in healthcare facilities due to tasks such as lifting and moving patients.
Respiratory Protection: Particularly important in scenarios that involve airborne pathogens, workers need to know how to use and maintain respirators and other breathing protection equipment properly.
Emergency Action Plans: When it comes to emergencies like fires, chemical spills and other immediate threats to workplace health and safety, knowing the protocols that need to be followed in such instances is imperative.
Why is OSHA Medical Waste Training Important?
It’s hard to overstate the importance of OSHA medical waste training in a healthcare facility setting. From minimizing exposure to dangerous substances and enforcing strict infection-control practices to promoting a clean environment that is in compliance with legal and ethical standards, OSHA is there to help maintain a safe workspace. For instance, OSHA training is key in:
Protecting Health and Safety: Medical waste, such as infectious agents, sharp objects, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, can be dangerous, and proper training ensures that healthcare workers handle, segregate, store, and dispose of medical waste correctly.
Environmental Protection: Training helps to prevent incorrect disposal of medical waste that can lead to environmental pollution, including contamination of water supplies and soil.
Legal Compliance: There are strict regulations governing the management of medical waste, and healthcare staff must stringently comply with these regulations to avoid legal penalties, hefty fines, and to maintain operational licenses.
Building Public Trust: Proper handling of medical waste reassures the public that the healthcare facility is safe and responsible, enhancing its reputation and the trust patients place in its services.
What are OSHA Medical Waste Regulations?
The OSHA medical waste regulations regarding the management of medical waste typically fall under the purview of state and federal agencies like the EPA and DOT. However, OSHA does regulate several aspects of how medical waste impacts worker safety, primarily through the following two standards:
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: This mandates protections against occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Hazard Communication Standard: Requires employers to inform workers about the hazards of chemicals (including certain medical wastes) used in the workplace.
Why You Should Invest in OSHA Medical and Biohazard Waste Training
When it comes to OSHA medical and biohazard waste training, outsourcing the education process to experienced professionals can provide a huge benefit to employees, patients, and the environment. Look for online training courses that focus on competency of OSHA standards as opposed to simply requiring a minimum amount of time spent on coursework.
Superior Waste Removal, for instance, one of the Midwest’s leading medical waste disposal companies, offers comprehensive online OSHA training that allows employees to take Bloodborne Pathogens or HIPPA training courses, search for federal regulations, create safety plans, and conduct mock OSHA inspections.
If you want to protect your staff and patients – not to mention the environment – reach out today to see how Superior Waste Removal can keep your staff informed of all the latest regulations and best practices in medical waste management.