Nursing Home OSHA Compliance Checklist for Nursing Homes

Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations is vital for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for both residents and staff at [Your Company Name]. The following checklist outlines key areas of OSHA compliance that nursing home administrators and staff should address.

1. Hazard Communication

• Ensure all hazardous chemicals are properly labeled with appropriate warning labels.

• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals used in the facility.

• Provide training to staff on the hazards of chemicals present in the workplace and safe handling procedures.

2. Bloodborne Pathogens

• Implement and maintain an Exposure Control Plan to reduce the risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

• Provide hepatitis B vaccination to all employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

• Offer training to staff on proper infection control practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe needle handling techniques.

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with bloodborne pathogens standards.

3. Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and maintain an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that includes procedures for responding to fires, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.

• Conduct regular emergency drills to ensure staff are familiar with emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

• Provide training to staff on emergency response procedures and the use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and evacuation chairs.

4. Slips, Trips, and Falls

• Implement measures to prevent slips, trips, and falls, such as keeping floors clean and dry and promptly addressing spills.

• Ensure adequate lighting in all areas of the facility to reduce the risk of accidents.

• Provide training to staff on proper lifting techniques and the use of assistive devices to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

• Conduct regular inspections of walking surfaces and stairways to identify and address potential hazards.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Assess workplace hazards to determine the appropriate PPE required for each job task.

• Provide employees with the necessary PPE, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, free of charge.

• Train staff on the proper use, maintenance, and disposal of PPE.

• Conduct regular fit testing for respirators to ensure proper fit and protection.

6. Electrical Safety

• Inspect electrical equipment regularly to identify and address potential hazards, such as frayed cords or exposed wires.

• Ensure all electrical outlets are properly grounded and circuits are not overloaded.

• Provide training to staff on electrical safety practices, including how to recognize and report electrical hazards.

7. Fire Safety

• Maintain working smoke detectors and fire alarm systems throughout the facility.

• Conduct regular inspections and testing of fire extinguishers and emergency lighting systems.

• Develop and implement a Fire Prevention Plan that includes procedures for evacuating residents and staff in the event of a fire.

• Provide training to staff on fire prevention techniques, evacuation procedures, and the use of fire extinguishers.

8. Workplace Violence Prevention

• Develop and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Program that includes procedures for identifying and addressing potential risks.

• Provide training to staff on recognizing and de-escalating potentially violent situations.

• Establish a system for reporting and investigating incidents of workplace violence and implementing corrective actions as needed.

• Conduct regular assessments of workplace violence risks and update prevention strategies as necessary.

9. Respiratory Protection

• Assess the need for respiratory protection based on potential exposure to airborne hazards, such as infectious diseases or hazardous chemicals.

• Provide employees with appropriate respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators, and ensure they are properly fitted.

• Train staff on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of respiratory protective equipment.

10. Lifting and Ergonomics

• Implement ergonomic solutions to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries associated with lifting and moving residents.

• Provide training to staff on proper lifting techniques and the use of mechanical lifting aids.

• Encourage staff to report ergonomic concerns and implement corrective actions to address them.

11. Infection Control

• Develop and implement an Infection Control Program that includes procedures for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

• Provide training to staff on infection control practices, including hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleaning.

12. Recordkeeping and Documentation

• Maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses as required by OSHA regulations.

• Document training sessions, inspections, and corrective actions taken to address identified hazards.

• Keep records of medical surveillance activities, such as employee vaccinations and TB screenings, as required by OSHA standards.

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