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What Is OSHA Healthcare Training?

In 2019, there were 221,400 work-related injuries and illnesses in hospitals. That means that 5.5 out of 100 employees reported work-related illnesses or injuries. The dangers of working in a hospital are high compared to the private or public sector.

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, creates and enforces workplace safety regulations. OSHA's regulations ensure safe working conditions for employees in all industries by providing healthcare training.

In this article, we'll discuss some of the key provisions of OSHA that apply to healthcare workers. We also take a look at the importance of complying with these standards.

What Is OSHA?

Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Most employers must provide their employees with OSHA compliance training.

OSHA Healthcare Training

Employees receive different training from employers due to their different roles. Healthcare worker's training covers:

OSHA compliance training helps employees understand these hazards and how to protect themselves.

Employers receive training on the risks healthcare workers face. They educate them about workplace safety and health. It instructs employers on how to identify potential hazards. This allows them to create and implement safety procedures and verify that these rules are followed.

Training

Employers should check OSHA's website for training requirements that meet OSHA's standards.

OSHA requires that employers provide workers with information and training on hazardous chemicals. This training must take place before any exposure to the hazard. The employer must also provide annual refresher courses for employees.

Employees must receive training upon immediate hire and before working. Training is an ongoing and evolving process. Refresher courses on Hazard Communication and PPE are necessary for the event of

  • An incident involving exposure to hazards
  • OSHA making changes to standards or requirements
  • Changes in the workplace or employment duties
  • The employee lacks the needed skills and comprehension to perform the work

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has specific standards for healthcare worker safety. These standards protect healthcare workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and other dangers. Some of the key provisions of these standards include the following:

The Hazard Communication Standard

This focuses on the use of chemicals in the workplace. Employers must provide workers with information about the hazards of the chemicals they are using. Employers must also develop and implement a written plan to train workers on these hazards.

Training should also include:

  • Location and details of the written hazard communication program
  • Health hazards of chemicals in the work area
  • Use of labels and material safety data sheets
  • Protection methods, including PPE

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Prevention of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B and HIV. Employers must inform workers about exposure risks and protection. Employers must also develop and implement a written exposure control plan. The plan must include controls, work practices, and PPE.

The Personal Protective Equipment Standard

Employers must provide workers with PPE, such as gloves, gowns, and masks, to protect them from exposure to hazardous chemicals and bloodborne pathogens. They also need to provide them with training on these materials.

The Respiratory Protection Standard

Provide workers with respiratory protection, such as air-purifying respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus. This protects them from exposure to hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants. Training must include how to select appropriate PPE, and when its use is necessary.

It should also include how to maintain the PPE, the length of its usefulness, and how to dispose of it.

The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard

Provide workers with information about the hazards of working with and protection from hazardous materials. Employers must develop and implement a written safety plan for handling and storing hazardous materials.

The Emergency Action Plan Standard

Develop and implement a written plan for evacuating workers in the event of an emergency. The plan must meet the needs of the workplace. It must be reviewed and updated regularly.

Employers must provide training for all employees on how to evacuate in the event of an emergency.

The Fire Prevention Plan Standard

A written plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a fire. The plan should include procedures for evacuating the premises and preventing the spread of fire.

It should also designate a responsible person to coordinate the response. All employees must receive training in fire safety procedures.

Ionizing Radiation Standard

Provide workers with information about the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation. They must also teach them how to protect themselves from these exposures. Employers must have a written plan that includes how to control exposures.

This can be done with engineering controls and work practices. The provision of personal protective equipment is necessary to protect workers.

Medical and First Aid Standard

Health care workers sometimes cannot handle medical emergencies. They must receive first aid training. With the right training, healthcare workers can contain almost any medical emergency that comes their way.

Physical Safety Training

Training on how to lift patients to avoid musculoskeletal injuries is necessary. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are a leading cause of lost work days in the United States.

They account for one-third of all workplace injuries. Healthcare workers are vulnerable to MSIs because they lift and move patients heavier than they are.

Even when using proper lifting techniques, health care workers are still at risk for MSIs. MSI occurrence reduces with training and proper equipment.

Online OSHA Training Courses

There are many online training courses that offer OSHA training. Some of these courses are free, while others charge a fee. The free courses provide a general overview of OSHA standards and regulations.

The paid courses provide more comprehensive coverage of the topics.

It is best to choose an OHSA-accredited online course. Accreditation ensures that the course meets OSHA standards and provides the most up-to-date information.

Get OHSA Compliance Healthcare Training

OSHA healthcare training is vital to ensuring the safety of healthcare workers. These standards protect workers from dangerous things like hazardous chemicals and bloodborne pathogens. By complying with these standards, employers create a safe and healthy workplace.

Compliance Training Online is OHSA accredited and trusted. Since 2008 we have provided quality online safety courses. Make sure your workplace is compliant by choosing the right training for your workforce needs.

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