OSHA Training – It’s the Employer’s Duty

OSHA requires employers to properly train their employees to do their jobs safely. The premise, for all employers in the United States, is to ensure that employees are trained on the hazards associated with their job, as well as on ways to mitigate the hazards. All dental employers must ensure that employees receive the pertinent training, which will be different depending on the particular job description.

Safety Training Topics

In general, the following safety training topics apply to personnel working in the dental setting: bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, injury and illness prevention (which includes general office safety and emergency response), and radiation safety. Not all topics listed above will apply to all employees, but will vary depending on the hazards of a particular job.

Training Frequency

OSHA requires training employees when hired; when assigned to new jobs; when a new process or material, which is potentially hazardous, is introduced to the workplace; and when a procedure is identified as hazardous. Annual refresher training may be required depending on the particular topic. For example, bloodborne pathogens training is required annually, but hazard communication training is only required upon employment and whenever a procedural change introduces a new chemical hazard.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.