Prevent fines, needlesticks: Our experts will tell you how
OSHA slapping down sharps fines at record pace
Federal regulators are turning up the heat on needle safety compliance, increasing inspections and issuing more than a million dollars in fines in less than a year. Emboldened by new federal laws, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has dramatically stepped up enforcement of needle safety provisions.
In a flurry of activity between July 2001 and May 2002, OSHA issued a staggering 1,876 citations for those who haven’t gotten the message that needle safety is now the law of the land. These unfortunate facilities were slapped with $1.3 million in fines, and contrary to popular belief, only about 20% of the expensive inspections were prompted by an employee complaint. With random visits a possibility, you need to know the latest regulatory information to ensure you can pass muster with OSHA while protecting your employees and patients.
To keep you up to date, American Health Consultants offers the audio conference: Sharps Safety Compliance: How to Avoid OSHA Citations and Costly Fines. Slated for Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., ET, our program will feature practical handouts and guidance along with the answers to some of your most pressing questions.
OSHA expert Katherine West, BSN, MSEd, CIC, veteran infection control consultant at Infection Control/Emerging Concepts in Manassas, VA, will review the latest OSHA requirements and give you the inside tips necessary to pass any future inspection with flying colors. This conference is critical information for infection control professionals and employee health professionals, emergency department managers, physicians, nurses, risk managers, compliance directors, case managers, home health professionals, and same-day surgery managers. In addition, we will feature a clinical expert on medical devices to help ensure you know if safety devices are available for your particular patient and procedure needs.
Bruce E. Cunha, RN, MS, COHN, manager of employee health and safety at Marshfield (WI) Clinic, has 24 years working experience on the front lines of occupational health and safety. Cunha will provide vital insight on what practitioners can do to ensure safety for clinical procedures for which there are currently no safety needles available. He is an expert in this seldom addressed but critical area, which is becoming increasingly important as the nation’s health facilities continue the transition from conventional to safety-designed needles.
Protect workers, patients, and your budget. One needlestick or fine avoided will more than pay for this conference and several in the future. To sign up, call (800) 688-2421 and mention effort code: 62761. The facility fee is $299, which includes free CE or CME for your entire staff, program handouts and additional reading, a convenient 48-hour replay, and a conference CD. Don’t miss out. Educate your entire facility for one low fee.