Seyfarth Synopsis: NIOSH reiterated last week that healthcare workers are exposed to a wide range of hazards on the job and healthcare employers may not be following best practices to protect against these hazards.
Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing over 18 million workers, 80% of which are women. These healthcare workers face numerous hazards on the job, including sharps injuries, exposures to chemicals and hazardous drugs, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), latex allergy, violence, and stress.
Significantly, there are more cases of healthcare workers suffering nonfatal occupational injury and illnesses than any other industry sector. In a recent healthcare study, NIOSH found that as to administering aerosolized pentamidine to patients “22% of respondents did not always wear protective gloves, 69% did not always wear protective gowns, and 49% did not always wear respiratory protection….” NIOSH concluded that there was “a belief that employers do not fully appreciate the potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to these drugs and therefore do not prioritize adherence.”
As to high-level disinfectants, the survey findings showed that best practices to minimize exposure have not been universally implemented. NIOSH’s survey found that “17% of respondents said they never received training and, of those who received training, 42% said that it was more than 12 months ago. 19% of respondents said that employer safe handling procedures were unavailable.” “44% of respondents did not always wear a protective gown and 9% did not always wear protective gloves.”
Critically, NIOSH concluded that employers and employees did not always follow best practices.
For healthcare employers this conclusion should be a red-flag as to the overall quality of their safety and health policies. Healthcare employers should consult with safety professionals who are well versed in the areas where the employers may be out of touch with best practices. Such consultations can enhance employee safety and help avoid liabilities associated with OSHA violations.
