There are many questions asked about OSHA regulations and the available methods for compliance. Most dental practices at one time or another have entered this arena of complexity with the best intent, only to realize they end up with more questions than answers. When asked if OSHA training has been performed most offices will reply “yes”. The real questions should be; how long ago, was it documented and placed into the employee personnel file, and was a specific OSHA training program designed for the dental industry utilized?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was designed to prevent employee injury or illness from occurring while at the workplace. There are rules and regulations that apply and must be followed by the employer. The regulations, when enforced, will reduce workplace injury/illness resulting in the benefit of everyone.

Am I in OSHA compliance? One way to be sure is to start by educating yourself, or an appointed person, for ongoing OSHA management at the workplace. There are many types of training programs available on the market place today. Be careful not to go overboard with expensive programs or kits for OSHA compliance, as they tend not to be specific for the “dental industry”. Be selective and consider what is actually necessary for your office to be in compliance.

HCS will discuss with you, specific to your office, what is really necessary. The regulations are fairly easy to adapt ensuring total compliance with little ongoing effort once the training program has been established. This training needs to be updated annually with documentation or anytime there is a newly hired employee. Actual time spent for employee training and ensuring office compliance varies depending on the size of the practice but on the average it should only take a couple hours annually with the right program in place. The cost again will vary depending on the size practice however should not be significant.

The employer or a delegated employee should perform OSHA training and office compliance annually with the assistance of the HCS OSHA Training Kit - developed specific for the Dental Market. This kit is state specific and will enable you to manage your training program effectively ensuring total compliance will little effort.

When asked “Are You in Compliance” the answer without hesitation should be “YES”. For more information about OSHA compliance as it relates to you and your office contact us at 888-726-8505 or email websiteorder@hcstoday.com