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chapter 12 | Promoting a Healthy Workplace 173 CikguOnline
public hospital are at more risk for HIV and may also trigger an OSHA inspection. OSHA
tuberculosis than the staff members working in the encourages employers and employees to work
newborn nursery. All staff members have the right together to identify and remove any workplace haz-
to be made aware of potential risks. No worker ards before contacting the nearest OSHA area
should feel intimidated or uncomfortable in the office. If the employee has not been able to resolve
workplace. the safety or health issue, the employee may file a
formal complaint, and an inspection will be ordered
Reducing Risk
by the area OSHA director (U.S. Department of
OSHA Labor, 1995). Any violations found are posted
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 where all employees can view them. The employer
and the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 were has the right to contest the OSHA decision. The
the first federal guidelines and standards related to law also states that the employer cannot punish or
safe and healthful working conditions. Through discriminate against employees for exercising their
these acts, the NIOSH and OSHA were formed. rights related to job safety and health hazards
OSHA regulations apply to most U.S. employers or participating in OSHA inspections (U.S.
that have one or more employees and that engage in Department of Labor, 1995).
businesses affecting commerce. Under OSHA reg- OSHA inspections have focused especially on
ulations, the employer must comply with standards blood-borne pathogens, lifting and ergonomic
for providing a safe, healthful work environment. (proper body alignment) guidelines,confined-space
Employers are also required to keep records of all regulations, respiratory guidelines, and workplace
occupational (job-related) illnesses and accidents. violence.Since September 11,2001,the OSHA has
Examples of occupational accidents and injuries added protecting the worksite against terrorism
include burns,chemical exposures,lacerations,hear- (osha.gov). Table 12-1 lists the major categories of
ing loss, respiratory exposure, musculoskeletal potential hazards found in hospitals as identified by
injuries, and exposure to infectious diseases. the OSHA. The U.S. Department of Labor pub-
OSHA regulations provide for workplace lishes fact sheets related to various OSHA guide-
inspections that may be conducted with or without lines and activities.They can be obtained from your
prior notification to the employer. However, cata- employer, at the local public library, or via the
strophic or fatal accidents and employee complaints Internet at osha.gov

table 12-1
Potential Hospital Hazards
Hazard Definition Examples
Biological Infectious/biological agents such as bacteria, HIV, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus,
viruses, fungi, parasites methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis
B virus, tuberculosis
Chemical Medications, solutions, and gases that are Ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, waste
potentially toxic or irritating to the body anesthetic gases, cytotoxic agents, pentamidine
system ribavirin
Psychological Factors and situations encountered in or Stress, workplace violence, shiftwork, inadequate
associated with the work environment staffing, heavy workload, increased patient acuity
that create or potentiate stress, emotional
strain, and/or interpersonal problems
Physical Agents that cause tissue trauma Radiation, lasers, noise, electricity, extreme temperatures,
workplace violence
Environmental, Factors in work environment that cause Tripping hazards, unsafe or unguarded equipment, air
mechanical, or lead to accidents, injuries, strain, quality, slippery floors, confined spaces, obstructed
biomedical or discomfort work areas or passageways, awkward postures,
localized contact stresses, temperature extremes,
repetitive motions, lifting and moving patients
Adapted from osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/hazards