Module 2

Question 1

• Explain the acronym OSHA and describe the role it plays in the development of safety programs in veterinary practices

Answer 1

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Mission to assure safe and healthful working conditions for employees by:
• Setting and enforcing standards
• Providing training, outreach, and education
• Encouraging a continual process of review and improvement

Question 2

• Identify essential safety related information that must be included in the Hospital Safety Manual and appropriate locations for its storage

Answer 2

• By compiling all of your practice’s safety- related information into one resource, you’re creating a comprehensive program.
• Can use a three-ring binder and label it “Hospital Safety Manual” - tabbed dividers can create sections for easy reference
• By including your practice’s written directions on team safety in the manual, you set official policies of the practice that are enforceable by management.
• Keep the manual in a convenient location, be it the break room, treatment area, or lab. Make sure every team member knows where the manual is located and that they should review it periodically.

Question 3

• Identify the rights and responsibilities of the veterinary employer

Answer 3

• Employer rights
• Set and enforce safety rules in the workplace
• Be present or designate a representative during osha inspection
• Require that the OSHA compliance officer has a warrant before entering or inspecting business
• Request to postpone inspection
• Expect trade secrets to be kept
• Consult an attorney or advisor before, during, or after an inspection before responding to inquiry
• See any complaint alleged against business
• Request staff members be interviewed during inspection
• Right to appeal findings and/or citations issued by OSHA
• Employer responsibilities
• Provide a workplace free from recognized or unnecessary hazards’
• The employer is not responsible for providing a facility with no hazards because that would be impossible. The employer must make a reasonable effort to identify the hazards present, correct the hazards that can be eliminated, and control the hazards that cannot be eliminated.
• Set and enforce safety rules in the workplace
• Provide PPE and instructions for use
• Provide training and instructions for staff to understand hazards and how to protect themselves
• Post OSHA citations and hazard correction notices
• Maintain records of injuries and illnesses

Question 4

• Identify the rights and responsibilities of the employee

Answer 4

• Employee rights
• A workplace free from recognized hazards
• Be informed of rights under the OSH Act
• Be informed of known hazards
• Be provided with and instructed on the use of PPE
• View and receive copies of all applicable OSHA Standards
• Access to medical and exposure records
• Be present in the workplace when safety testing or monitoring is performed
• Raise safety concerns without fear of reprimand/retaliation
• Speak privately with a compliance officer during an inspection
• Employee responsibilities
• A workplace free from recognized hazards
• Be informed of rights under the OSH Act
• Be informed of known hazards
• Be provided with and instructed on the use of PPE
• View and receive copies of all applicable OSHA Standards
• Access to medical and exposure records
• Be present in the workplace when safety testing or monitoring is performed
• Raise safety concerns without fear of reprimand/retaliation
• Speak privately with a compliance officer during an inspection

Question 5

• Identify reasons that a veterinary hospital might be targeted for an OSHA inspection

Answer 5

• Written complaint and OSHA believes a safety danger exists
• Employer failed to provide adequate response to a complaint
• Discrimination issues for employees filing complaints to OSHA

Question 6

• Describe the requirements for reporting an incident to OSHA

Answer 6

• Incident results in death
• Or in the hospitalization of five or more employees from the same cause

Question 7

• Describe the requirements for retaining and availability of accident records

Answer 7

• OSHA requires that each business with 11 or more employees (at anytime during the year) maintain accident and illness reports
• All records related to injuries or illnesses must be maintained for at least 5 years.

Question 8

• Identify reference sources for OSHA regulations

Answer 8

• OSHA website
• Local/regional OSHA office
• NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)