What is required by OSHA in a healthcare setting?

The requirement by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for a healthcare setting includes having a written bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan. This plan serves to protect healthcare workers from potential exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. It outlines the procedures, protocols, and responsibilities to minimize risk, ensuring that all staff members are aware of the necessary precautions and actions to take in the event of exposure.

While annual safety training and health screenings are important aspects of workplace safety and employee health, the specific requirement for a written plan emphasizes the need for structured guidelines to prevent and manage incidents of bloodborne pathogen exposure. Monthly inspections can be part of the broader safety measures in place, but the creation of a detailed written plan is a distinct and essential regulation set out by OSHA to safeguard health workers in environments where they might come into contact with blood or infectious materials.