Infection Control Today Magazine

Occupational Safety And Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA Explores Infectious Exposure Issues

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is continuing to examine occupational exposure to infectious agents in healthcare settings, and members of the infection prevention and healthcare epidemiology communities are weighing in with their perspectives as ...More
January 6, 2012
Posted in Articles, Policies and Practice, PPE & Standard Precautions
OSHA Soliciting Public Comments on BBP Standard Information Collection Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is requesting public comments concerning its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget's approval of the information collection requirements specified in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR ...More
November 17, 2011
Posted in News
OSHA Most Frequently Cites ASCs for Bloodborne Pathogen Violations

Although more than half of the surgeries in the U.S. are performed inambulatory care centers, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) resources and safety oversight may lag significantly behind those of their hospital counterparts. In the past four years, the Occupational Safety ...More
November 1, 2011
Posted in News, Infections & Pathogens
Achieving OSHA Sharps Safety Compliance in Non-Hospital Settings

More than half of non-hospital healthcare settings are in violation of OSHA law. As integrated distribution networks and hospitals acquire these "alternate care" facilities, they also become at risk of non-compliance. Due to a steady migration of healthcare from the ...More
August 1, 2011
Posted in News, Policies and Practice
OSHA Infectious Disease Review Supported by Healthcare Leaders

Thirty-one leaders in the healthcare industry have jointly signed a letter regarding ways to better protect healthcare workers and prevent the spread of infectious diseases as part of a request for information by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The ...More
September 21, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
IDSA Urges OSHA to Proceed With Caution on Occupational Exposure Regulation

The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) has provided comment on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Request for Information (RFI) on occupational exposure to infectious agents in healthcare-related settings. In an Aug. 4 letter to David ...More
August 10, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Opportunity to Submit Comments to OSHA on Exposure to Infectious Agents Closes Aug. 4

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is continuing to ask members of the infection prevention and control community to comment on occupational exposure to infectious agents in healthcare settings. ...More
July 20, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Facilities, Respirator Manufacturers Can Work Together to Ease the Burden of Fit-Testing

By Richard B. JaffeDespite the fact that respirators are worn by more than 5 million U.S. workers at more than 1.3 million worksites across the county, mandatory face-fit testing remains an enigma; an enormous challenge faced on a regular basis by already over-burdened ...More
July 16, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
OSHA Seeks Comments on Healthcare Occupational Exposure to Infectious Agents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is requesting information and comment on occupational exposure to infectious agents in settings where healthcare is provided, (e.g., hospitals, outpatient clinics, clinics in schools and correctional facilities), and ...More
May 6, 2010
Posted in News
Respiratory Protection: Balancing Effectiveness and Comfort for Compliance

According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, “Personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the vital components of a system of safety controls and preventive measures used in healthcare facilities. The recent heightened awareness of patient ...More
February 22, 2010
Posted in Articles, PPE & Standard Precautions