Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Established on December 29, 1970, and part of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established to govern workplace environments to ensure that employees have a safe and healthy environment. The Act covers most private sector employees. OSHA requires states to develop their own job safety and health programs, which can be approved by OSHA. States can apply for approval for their plans and receive up to 50% funding for their programs. There are currently 22 states that have programs that protect both private and public sector employees ( OSHA, 2016 ).
Under OSHA enforcement, the following legislation ensures that healthcare workers are protected.
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) ensures that all hazardous chemicals are properly labeled and that companies are informed of these risks ( Hazard Communication, 2016 ). The Medical Waste Tracking Act requires companies to have medical waste disposal procedures so that there is no risk to employees and the environment (Environmental Protection Agency, 2016 ). The Occupational Exposure to Blood-borne Pathogen Standard developed behavioral standards for employees who deal with blood products, such as wearing gloves and other equipment and disposal of blood collection materials ( OSHA Quicktakes, 2016 ).