Practice Compliance with OSHA and the Department of Labor

Statutes enforced by the Department of Labor require that certain posters or notices be posted in the workplace.  The requirements can vary from state to state and can be dependent on number of employees, and include those staff members who may be covered under the Federal Disability Act.  Failure to post these notices can result in a penalty.   You can check your state requirements and order the appropriate posters online @ www.dol.gov or by calling the Department of Labor @ 1-866-4USA-DOL.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has guidelines covering safety in the workplace.  While you will not need a comprehensive understanding of these requirements, you will be responsible for insuring that your employees and patients are working or being treated in a safe environment.  Whether or not your office is located in a commercial building or curbside, you will most likely receive a visit from your local fire department.  Their purpose is to insure that your are in compliance with OSHA and town ordinances.

A complete list of OSHA requirements can be found @ www.osha.gov

In order to insure a safe work place, use a common sense approach to inspect your office.  Sprinkler systems, lighted exit signs, and fire alarms must be operational and should be checked annually or semi-annually as required by state or local ordinances.  Frayed or loose wires must be replaced, and tripping hazards to patients or staff, including carpeting or furniture should be immediately addressed.  You will be cited by your local fire department for stacking boxes in aisles, or too close to the ceiling, so you will want to put your supplies in a safe place as soon as they are delivered.

The numbers for the local fire department must be posted at the front desk and in all exam rooms.  You can also program this number into each practice phone, along with the number for your local police department.   Scheduled fire drills for commercial buildings means that all staff and all patients must exit the office, or your practice will be fined.

Should you use any form of radioactive isotopes, you will also be subject to routine inspections.  You will be required to post an emergency number in case of accidental spills as well as having a written policy for handling this situation.   It is recommended that you use posters next to or below the sharps containers that will notify staff of the regulations regarding their use and proper disposal.  The vendor that supplies you with your sharps containers will provide you with these posters, along with the Federal guidelines for accidental needle sticks.  You can find and download this policy on a number of web sites.

Tomorrow:   Safeguarding Your Patients Privacy