ONE EXAMPLE OF AN OSHA STANDARD THAT MAY SEEM INSIGNIFICANT CAN BRING A CITATION AND FINE

OSHA inspections are on the rise.  More unannounced OSHA inspectors are arriving at more healthcare offices resulting in increased citations and fines that must be handled expeditiously by the dentist and staff.  Incidentally, the two standards for which citations and fines are most frequently issued are the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard followed by the Hazard Communication Standard.

Let’s look at one standard that may seem relatively insignificant but can bring a citation and fine.  Do you have adequate EXIT signage in your office?  Previously, a posted EXIT map sufficed for EXIT signage.  Now all businesses, healthcare offices included, must have specific details as part of their egress plan.  A posted EXIT sign must include the direction of travel via an arrow.  All office doors, such as Restroom, Lab, Office, etc., must be labeled so that they are not confused with an EXIT door.  Closet doors along an EXIT route should be labeled “Not an Exit”.  Posted evacuation plans/maps must include both primary and secondary routes of escape.

There are scores of safety issues throughout a dental practice involving safety of the staff, the patients, and the facility itself.  An unannounced OSHA inspector may present himself or herself at an office on any given day, and the inspection happens right then and there with every nook and cranny open to the inspector.  The dentist(s) and a key staff member or two should be well versed in OSHA requirements and be prepared to escort the inspector around the facility.  Make notes of his/her critique and take snapshots of items listed that need to be changed.  Pay close attention and respond as quickly as possible to the inspector’s report that lists necessary improvements and changes.  Go to www.OSHA.gov for more information.