Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Workplace

Course overview

Contact or exposure to bodily fluids and dangerous levels of bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms can cause infection and lead to the spread of pathogens from one patient to another. Other hazardous materials commonly found in healthcare facilities are cleaning products, medications, and substances used in therapeutic procedures. A healthcare facility is a place for healing but it is also a place where the health of the employees is at risk. Needle stick injuries are a frequent occurrence in healthcare facilities; using and disposing of needles and sharps have decreased the rate of needle stick injuries, but they are still common. All healthcare workers are required to know how to recognize, handle, and dispose of hazardous materials and how to avoid dangerous exposure.