Healthcare employers are not required to provide routine booster shots or serologic testing to their employees, other than serologic testing immediately following the vaccination series. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard incorporates the recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) by…
While not specifically prohibited by in California, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that dental personnel with direct contact with patients refrain from wearing artificial nails, keeping natural nail tips short and groomed, and stop wearing…
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,…
In 2013, OSHA revised its Hazard Communication (Hazcom) Standard to align with the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Affecting mostly chemical manufacturers, distributors, and importers, the major changes to the Hazcom Standard require…
Employee safety is the sole focus of regulations mandated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Hence, the intent of OSHA's training requirements is to ensure that all employees are trained on the hazards associated with the job,…
Both OSHA and your local building code have requirements for exit signs. OSHA states that if an employer is in compliance with NFPA Life Safety Code, then the employer is also in compliance with OSHA egress requirements. The NFPA Life…
The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced in September an updated rule that requires employers to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a severe injury. Severe injuries are defined…
Dentists have options when disposing of medical waste, consisting of red-bag waste and contaminated sharps, generated in their offices. Many states allow medical waste generators to use approved mail-back systems for medical waste disposal, which provide a simple, economical alternative…
Disinfectant-soaked 4x4 gauze not recommended unless used immediately Disinfectants should never be stored in containers with cotton gauze, also termed “4x4’s”, unless the gauze is applied immediately to dental surfaces upon saturation. Cotton gauze materials that have been saturated with…
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory notifying dental practitioners to take care when using dental dispensers on multiple patients. Multiple-use dental dispensers, also called dental “syringes” are devices used to deliver various dental products such as impression…
