It’s Your Call March 2020

Science and Lab Research virus

It’s Your Call OSHA: When are people most contagious with flu? According to the CDC, people are most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after symptoms begin. The average time from the exposure to apparent symptoms is 2 days. Be sure to take the necessary precautions and get vaccinated to protect yourself against […]

It’s your Call February 2020

Medical student taking notes in hallway

OSHA: If we have an employee stay less than a year, are we obligated to keep their medical records? No. The medical record can be given to the worker upon termination if they were employed less than a year. Medical records would include medical and employment questionnaires, laboratory tests, pre-employment exams, first aid records, treatment […]

It’s Your Call January 2020

Combustible type chart

OSHA: What kind of fire extinguishers do most offices have? Most offices and hospitals have multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers which are classified with the labels A, B, & C. The 3 elements needed to ignite a fire are heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent. These multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers will coat the fuel with a […]

It’s Your Call December 2019

OSHA: How long do we keep records of the monthly fire extinguisher inspection? OSHA regulation 1910.157(e)(3) says the tag/record must be kept for one year past the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. If the last entry is 9/19/2019, the ticket can be discarded on 9/19/2020. HIPAA: Are there any […]

It’s Your Call November 2019

man signing pictures HIPAA

OSHA: Some offices are partially exempt from maintaining OSHA injury and illness records. How can I find out if our office is exempt? A list of partially exempt industries can be found at: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1904/1904SubpartBAppA. These employers are required to keep a record ONLY if they are asked in writing by OSHA, the Bureau of Labor […]

It’s Your Call October 2019

global handwashing day

OSHA Global Handwashing Day is October 15th. Are you aware of these hand hygiene facts? The Global Handwashing Partnership works to save children’s lives and improve health by promoting handwashing with soap. On average, only 40% of healthcare workers or fewer adhere to recommended hand hygiene practices. Healthcare-associated infections affect an average of 1 in […]

It’s your Call September 2019

fire extinguisher

OSHA: How long should we keep the fire extinguisher log?  1910.157(e)(3) The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less.   HIPAA: Our office uses a software program that contains protected health information. Should we obtain […]

It’s your Call August 2019

OSHA: What are the protection levels for face masks? The ASTM Standard rates medical masks at three levels of protection against fluid and spray.  Minimum protection offers a simple barrier which is ideal for procedures where no fluids or sprays are involved. Level 1 masks adequately protect when low amounts of fluid, aerosols, and spray […]

It’s Your Call July 2019

measles update in your office

OSHA Measles outbreaks have been in the news a lot. What are 5 quick facts about transmission that our office should be aware of? Answer: Here are 5 quick facts to know about measles. It is highly contagious. Individuals who are not immune have a 90% chance of becoming infected if they are close to […]

It’s Your Call June 2019

OSHA:  Our office has switched disinfectant wipes. Do we need to retrain? 1910.1200(h)(1) Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work […]