Posted: August 23rd, 2023

Internal Policy for Ensuring Compliance with OSHA’s Bloodborne

Create an Internal Policy Applying Law

You have been tasked by your manager to draft an organizational policy in line with a state or federal policy. You will have the option of choosing one of three health policies and applying it to the health organization of your choice. Remember, you will use the policy of choice for your Signature Assignment in Week 7.
For this assignment, you will choose one of the following laws to implement:
• OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Detail your organizational policy on how to properly deal with these requirements and keep your employees safe.
• Each state has their own law regarding disease that must be reported at the state level. Locate your state law regarding disease that must be reported and apply that law to your organizational policy.
• Section 7(r) of the Fair Labor Standards Act – Break Time for Nursing Mothers Provision
You will review the state or federal policy, and then, draft an internal policy that your organization will utilize to implement this legal requirement
Length: 4 pages, not including title or reference pages.

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Internal Policy for Ensuring Compliance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

Introduction

In alignment with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), our organization is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. This internal policy outlines the procedures and guidelines that our organization will follow to ensure proper compliance with the OSHA standard, minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, and safeguard the well-being of our employees.

Policy Statement

Our organization recognizes the potential risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens and is dedicated to preventing occupational exposure incidents. We acknowledge our responsibility to provide adequate training, resources, and protective measures to ensure the safety and health of our employees.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials as part of their job responsibilities within our organization.

Key Procedures and Guidelines

Employee Training and Education: All employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens will receive comprehensive training and education on the risks, prevention methods, and proper procedures for handling potentially infectious materials. Training will be provided during onboarding and annually thereafter. Training records will be maintained and readily accessible.

Exposure Control Plan: Our organization will develop and maintain an Exposure Control Plan that outlines the specific procedures for minimizing exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This plan will be reviewed and updated annually to incorporate any changes in technology, regulations, or work processes.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employees will be provided with appropriate PPE, such as gloves, face shields, and gowns, to effectively prevent exposure. The organization will ensure that PPE is readily available, properly maintained, and used according to established procedures.

Safe Work Practices: Our employees will adhere to safe work practices when handling potentially infectious materials. These practices include proper hand hygiene, safe sharps disposal, and the use of engineering controls such as needleless systems and sharps containers.

Vaccination Programs: Our organization will offer hepatitis B vaccinations to all employees who have the potential for occupational exposure. Vaccination will be provided at no cost to the employee and in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up: In the event of an exposure incident, affected employees will receive prompt medical evaluation and follow-up as required by OSHA standards. The organization will cover the cost of medical evaluations and any necessary post-exposure prophylaxis.

Recordkeeping and Reporting: Accurate records of all training, exposure incidents, and medical evaluations will be maintained for at least three years. These records will be made available to employees, their authorized representatives, and OSHA upon request.

Conclusion

By implementing this comprehensive internal policy in accordance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), our organization reaffirms its commitment to providing a safe and secure work environment for all employees. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of compliance and ensuring the health and well-being of our workforce.

References:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2019). Bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Guidelines for the prevention of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus to health-care and public-safety workers: A response to P.L. 100-607. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001487.htm

American Nurses Association. (2017). Implementing Section 7(r) of the Fair Labor Standards Act: Break Time for Nursing Mothers Provision. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/safe-staffing/implementing-section-7r-of-the-fair-labor-standards-act-break-time-for-nursing-mothers-provision/

U.S. Department of Labor. (2022). Fair Labor Standards Act. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa