OSHA Requires Written Programs – Dental Regulations

Part of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created in 1970 to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA requires employers to have written programs on various safety and health topics pertaining to their workplaces.

ALL employers should have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program, which is required in 34 states. Dental offices must also have a written Hazard Communication Program and Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Program. Other OSHA written plans which may or may not be required in a dental office, depending on the circumstances in the office, include an emergency action plan and an ergonomics plan.

Other non-OSHA written plans touching on employee safety that may also be required include a HIPAA plan, a medical waste management plan, a radiation safety plan, and an infection control protocol.

For our OSHA Review Subscribers: All of the above-mentioned plans can be found either in your OSHA Review binder or on our website – www.oshareview.com.

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