1. At medical offices and clinics, 73% of OSHA penalties cited the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
2. Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) was also the most frequently violated standard cited by OSHA at residential care facilities, hospitals, AND dental offices.
3. At medical AND dental offices and clinics, the second most commonly cited standard that resulted in fines was Hazard Communication (HazCom).
4. HazCom was the 3rd most frequently cited standard that resulted in penalties for hospitals AND residential care facilities.
5. The deadline for HazCom Training on recent changes to the Hazard Communication Standard is Dec 1, 2013.
6. Initial amounts for OSHA violations of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard can be as high as $40,000+.
7. In April 2012, OSHA announced it would be targeting nursing homes and residential care facilities for the next three years. It is also inspecting surgical centers, medical practices, and dental offices.
8. Proposed OSHA fines for nongovernment healthcare facilities can be as much as $89,000.
9. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 600,000 sharps injuries, such as needlesticks, annually among healthcare workers, placing them at risk of exposure to viruses for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
10. Other important standards for healthcare related offices and facilities are Respiratory Protection, Portable Fire Extinguishers, and Eyewash requirements.
