1103 - The Infection Preventionist’s Guide to Understanding OSHA Compliance

Monday, June 26, 2023

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: W109 A/B; Orange County Convention Center

CE: 1

CNE Credits: 1
IPU Credits: 1
AEU Credits: 1
IPCH Credits: 1
CME Credits: 1

Presenter(s)

Steven Schweon, RN, MPH, MSN, CIC, LTC-CIP, FSHEA, FAPIC

Consulting infection preventionist
Steven J. Schweon, LLC
Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania

Disclosure(s): Healthcare Services Group, Inc.: Employment (full or part time) (Terminated, June 3, 2022); Safety and Disaster Solutions: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing); Steven J. Schweon LLC: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing)

Handouts

Co-Presenter(s)

Kelley M. Boston, MPH, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC

Senior Associate
Infection Prevention & Management Associates
Houston, Texas

Disclosure(s): Infection Prevention & Management Associates (IP&MA): Employment (full or part time) (Ongoing), Ownership Interest (Ongoing); Metrex: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (Ongoing); SaniNudge: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing)

Moderator(s)

Maria Whitaker, BS, MT, CIC

Infection Preventionist
Infection, Prevention and Control Consulting Services

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Co-Moderator(s)

Crystal Heishman, MBA, MSN, RN, ONC, CIC, FAPIC

Director, Infection Prevention & Control; System Vascular Access
UofL Health - Jewish and Heart Hospitals
Louisville, Kentucky

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Session Description: Since 1970, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has promulgated mandates to ensure safe working conditions. OSHA and State Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) compliance requirements continue to impact infection preventionists (IPs) across all continuums of care. The commitment to safety and health is paramount, regardless of the practice setting. Failure to meet OSHA requirements may result in injuries, illnesses, hospitalizations, and fatalities. For instance, the lack of respiratory protection standard compliance was a frequently cited workplace violation during 2020.

Due to the wide breadth of regulations addressing bloodborne pathogen transmission, tuberculosis, respiratory protection, COVID-19, or even the “General Duty Clause”, the IP must continually partner with their key stakeholders to meet the regulations or the healthcare facility will face citations and penalties. Additionally, the IP must also be aware of how The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Joint Commission (TJC), and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) governing guidance intersect with OSHA.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, workplace safety continues to be paramount. This session will proactively help the IP with a comprehensive understanding of the OSHA regulatory process. Optimal preparatory and just-in-time skills will be reviewed in case of an onsite inspection, due to a whistle-blower complaint, employee hazard, or accident investigation. Additionally, best practices and strategies will be presented to prevent future violations, including developing hazard assessments, written plans, etc.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the OSHA inspection process.
Develop best-practice strategies to ensure meeting OSHA compliance.
Identify optimal procedures for effectively managing an OSHA complaint.