All Points Medical Waste Blog
Is Your Business Prepared for an OSHA Inspection?
Tips for a Successful Inspection
OSHA inspections can happen at any time, and for most healthcare organizations, no matter how well your facility is run, it’s a nerve wracking experience that causes stress and can disrupt your staff. An inspection means that OSHA representatives are onsite, assessing your facility and looking for possible violations that ultimately could result in hefty fines and penalties.
To ensure a successful inspection, here are some top ways to be prepared:
Be Ready and Know What to Expect
OSHA inspections typically happen without any advanced notice, so it’s best to know what they will look for so you can ensure your staff is following safety protocols. The inspector will be walking through your facility and looking at everything as it relates to worker safety. This could include:
- Asking to see & reviewing OSHA required forms, paperwork and documentation
- Interviewing staff who work in key areas
- Taking photos
- Observing work processes
- Taking air samples
Have Specific Documents & Safety Policies Ready Up to Date
A key thing to consider is ensuring that all your OSHA-related documents & policies are up-to-date. To prepare for a possible inspection, be sure that the following is in place:
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan: This is a plan that every healthcare facility should have in place that describes the risks workers face in the event of exposure and provides prevention strategies.
Respiratory Protection Program: This program should outline how your organization utilizes N95 respirators and how you protect workers against airborne contaminants. In addition, it should provide medical clearance for staff members wearing N95s, fit testing and yearly training.
OSHA 300 Logs: Your facility must keep this OSHA log that lists any serious work-related illnesses and injuries.
Safety Data Sheets: A Safety Data Sheet should be easily accessible to employees at any time. This sheet details the pertinent information about a chemical including procedures relating to handling, storage, transportation as well as safety precautions.
Training Records: Be sure to have training logs on hand that detail training on workplace hazards and mitigating risks on injuries and illnesses. OSHA requires comprehensive training and is strict about keeping documentation onsite.
Hazard Communication Program: Your facility should have a master list of hazardous chemicals that are used in your workplace. This communication program should include how you inform staff about the risks of these chemicals and appropriate labeling.
Other important steps
In addition to ensuring you have all the above OSHA requirements in place, be prepared by taking the following steps:
- Perform periodic walk-throughs in your facility to spot any OSHA compliance issues
- Ensure your team is prepared to answer any questions from OSHA inspectors
Talk to us at All Points Medical Waste for tips and resources to ensure you are OSHA compliant at all times. As your medical waste provider, we not only provide full-service medical waste disposal, but also online OSHA compliance training. Our training modules match OSHA requirements and are comprehensive to help keep your staff safe and up-to-date. Give us a call today or fill out this form to learn more.