OSHA & Workplace Safety

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Federal agency that protects employees by removing workplace hazards. Focuses on research, education, information, and training.

OSHA responsibilities

Provides guidelines, trains pharmacy technicians, and conducts regular workplace inspections.

Key OSHA protocols

Hazard communication, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and exposure control plans.

Special OSHA safety concerns

Handling hazardous materials, blood-borne pathogens, pregnant worker precautions, ergonomics, and workplace violence prevention.

Employee rights under OSHA

Report unsafe conditions, request inspections, and access medical records.

OSHA enforcement

Enforces both federal and state regulations; Joint Commission also sets healthcare standards.

Goal of workplace safety

Prevent injury and illness by analyzing workplace conditions, eliminating hazards, and using PPE.

Maintaining workplace safety

Provide safety manuals, hold safety meetings, give free training, and ensure hazard prevention.