Improving compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards

Health care facilities can be dangerous places. The mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to improve the safety of the American workplace by developing and implementing standards that prevent occupational injury, illness, and death. Perioperative services are performed in environments where exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a daily occurrence, making implementation and compliance with OSHA standards very important. Employees and employers must remain current with workplace safety requirements, including use of personal protective equipment. This article presents implications of the OSHA standards for employers, educators, and employees.