Ch24 Occupational Safety and Health Administration

What is the mission of OSHA?

• To save lives

• Prevent injuries

• Protect the health American’s workers

What are OSHA’s three main methods?

1. Enforcement

2. Education/Outreach 

3. Partnerships/Cooperative programs 

When was OSHA formed and for what main reasons?

• To reduce hazards

• Research illness/injury causes

• Define rights & responsibilities

• Maintain reporting systems

• Establish training

• Develop and enforce standards

• Approve state plans

Who does OSHA cover?

All employers and employees in the United States

Employer responsibilities under OSHA?

• Follow standards

• Find/correct hazards

• Inform staff about chemicals (labels, SDS, training)

• Provide PPE at no cost

• Keep injury records

• Report fatalities/injuries to OSHA

What are the OSHA reporting timeframes?

• 8 Hours - Fatality 

• 24 hours - Hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss 

What rights do employees have?

• Safe workplace

• Proper training

• Access to test results

• Ability to file complaints

• Protection from retaliation (report within 30 days)

What are OSHA standards?

Legally enforceable rules describing methods employers must follow to protect workers

What must employers do to meet OSHA standards?

• Maintain safe conditions

• Use PPE

• Comply with exposure limits

• Follow performance standards

What are the main OSHA standards that affect dental offices?

• Bloodborne Pathogens

• Needlestick Prevention

• Hazard Communication

• PPE/ Face Protection

• Electrical & Fire Safety

• Waste Anesthetic Gases

• Mercury

• Latex Allergy

• Emergency Action Plan

What is the General Duty Clause?

Requires all workplaces to be free from recognized serious hazards even if no specific OSHA standards exist

What are Emergency Standards?

Temporary rules issued immediately if workers are in grave danger until a permanent rule is adopted 

What is the purpose of the OSHA training programs?

To teach hazard prevention, compliance assistance, and emergency preparedness

• Provided by OSHA training institute

• Authorized Education Centers

What are the Department of Labor’s five strategic goals?

1. Prepare workers for better jobs

2. Improve workplace safety and health

3. Promote fair, high-quality work environments

4. Secure retirement, health, and income security

5. Provide accurate labor data