Not sure if you are aware but many States are hiring additional OSHA Inspectors for more penetration into the workplace. Dental Offices are especially being profiled.
In recent months several dental offices have been made examples of for gross negligence in infection control processes. New Hampshire Orthodontist and Oklahoma Oral Surgeon. Now let’s focus on what you would never want to say to an OSHA Inspector:
1. “Shoot, I don’t think our autoclave is working today. Can we just use bleach on the instruments?”
2. “What do you mean I can’t wear my dirty scrubs home. I wear them to the grocery store after work all the time.”
3. “Hold on a second, I have to run this dirty needle down the hall to the sterilization area.”
4. “Where is my Big Red Bag? I have a big red beach bag at home, is that what you mean?”
5. “Yes, we always drink coffee up here at the front desk, and I keep snacks right here in this drawer for convenience.”
6. “What do you mean we have to do these Spore Strip Tests Weekly?”
7. “What do you mean we have to send these Spore Strip Tests out to a Third Party for evaluation, we do that all in-house!”
8. “GHS Certified?, No we don’t have that. We are CPR Certified!”
9. “We do not have Pictograms, but Suzie got a Pajam-a-gram for her birthday at the office last week!”
10. “OSHA — Sm-OSHA, we have patients to see around here. We don’t have time for that.”
So much for poking a little fun at the regulations. Seriously, many dental offices do not know where unsafe behavior starts and where compliance begins! Don’t be caught unprepared or looking uneducated. Saying that you are unaware of the laws will only infuriate most OSHA Inspectors. Make sure you choose an OSHA Compliance Training Company that will help you get all regulations in place. Choose one that will help you with understanding the laws, implementing all of the requirements and that is available for direct questions you may have when putting your protocols in place.
Say what you need to say to Mr. OSHA Inspector, but say it with confidence and conviction.
Written by Jill Obrochta & Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements.