I heard that . . . but is it really an OSHA matter
Often I receive a question that starts with: “Somebody told me that OSHA. . .” or “I heard in a meeting that OSHA. . .” And the verbs that usually follow are: requires mandates, insists, or if stated in the negative, prohibits, restricts, forbids.
Yes, OSHA does a lot of requiring and prohibiting, and keeping track of standards can be daunting to physician practices and other ambulatory healthcare settings, especially if OSHA compliance is only one of your jobs.
Before you start spending valuable time tracking down an OSHA standard that may or may not apply to your worksite based on the suggestion of a co-worker or a “just-thinking-out-loud” comment in a meeting, ask yourself: Does it apply to what OSHA is charged to regulate, namely the safety and health of employees? If yes, there is probably an OSHA standard, interpretation, or guideline that relates. If not, it is simply not an OSHA concern.
For sure there are regulatory and accreditation agencies for patient safety, practice liability, licensing, disability access issues, equal employment opportunities, etc. I once answered a call questioning whether it was an OSHA violation for the owner of a practice to make his sister-in-law in charge of all staff. “Isn’t nepotism against OSHA rules?” the caller asked.
No, it’s not, and neither are other issues if they don’t involve how the health and safety of employees might be at risk.
If it does apply to workplace safety, especially for healthcare settings, check out this space, the OSHA Healthcare Advisor. Chances are we know about it, have the resources to inform, or can find it for you.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 196 posts.
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