Workplace Safety: Hospitals


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When working in a hospital setting, safety management is absolutely critical to keep employees, visitors, and patients feeling secure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (or OSHA) is a federal agency that regulates workplace safety and has stated that people have the right to a safe work environment. Hospitals must comply with several medical workplace safety regulations, including radiation exposure, blood-borne pathogen exposure, fire safety training, and exit door requirements.

OSHA enforces hospital employers to take all the necessary precautions to maintain safety in a hospital workplace. If not managed properly, hospitals can be a very dangerous place. It is critical for all areas to comply with OSHA licensing regulations, including sanitation and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This is the case for all places within a hospital – from the reception area to the exam rooms.

It is also necessary to follow OSHA regulations in equipment safety. Hospital equipment must be tested regularly to make sure everything is in good condition and functioning properly. It is also necessary for graphic symbols or safety signs to be present in the workplace to keep medical staff safe from accidents and injuries.

Another important requirement is the disclosure of all information about hazardous materials on premises in the hospital. A written list must be available at all times so medical staff can avoid poisoning and contamination.

For those in the medical workforce, preparing to graduate from a healthcare program, or aspiring to enter the field of medicine, it’s important to know the rules and regulations when it comes to keeping you and your patients safe.


Information in this blog post is accurate as of September 14, 2012.