OSHA has distributed a new poster that needs to be reviewed with your team AND displayed in an area where all employees can frequently review it (ex: breakroom, near regular OSHA poster). Click here to view, download and print your new poster. Please hang it up right away!

You should review the following items with your team (be sure to document who was present for the demonstration and the date and time it took place).

1. Locations of all sinks, hand soaps, and alcohol-based hand rubs and how to use them appropriately.

• Alcohol rubs must contain at least 60% alcohol

2. How to properly disinfect surfaces, instruments, equipment, etc.

• Assume everything in the patient room is contaminated and must be wiped down after each patient.

3. Ensure that everyone is aware your practice uses EPA-approved cleaning chemicals

• Ensure proper use according to manufacturer guidelines

4. Train employees on how to properly don and doff PPE – and make sure they are wearing PPE at appropriate times.
5. Educate employees with job-specific education and training on preventing transmission
6. Encourage them to report safety concerns to the manager
7. Encourage them to stay home if they are sick

• Practices should establish a formal policy for employees returning to work.

8. Make certain that each employee is aware of their rights

• Employees have the right to be properly trained, work in a SAFE environment, be provided with appropriate PPE, protected from toxic chemicals, and should know that they can report concerns without fear of retaliation (https://www.osha.gov/workers/index.html).

Healthcare workers are classified as high risk. There are certain administrative and engineering controls that can help protect workers.

• Install barriers (such as clear plastic sneeze guards) at the front desk and wherever feasible
• Restrict number of patients in the waiting room
• Take patient temperatures before escorting patient to exam room
• Hang posters in your office reminding patients to stay 6 feet apart
• Report potential employee exposures to your Human Resources manager, so that they can help you keep accurate records (as required by OSHA)

Attachments:

• New Poster – please display this in your office right away. This is required.
• Prevent Worker Exposure – this is for your information. It is not required but displaying this as additional information would be helpful.
• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces – review this guide for more information on administrative and engineering controls and other recommendations on how to protect your employees.
• Worker Exposure Risk – for your records to document the risk of healthcare workers