So you’re the new Safety Manager? Now what?
by Terri Walker
Congratulations on your selection as Safety Manager! This esteemed role is more than just a title; it represents the trust placed in you to significantly impact the safety of everyone in the office, including your team members, doctors, and patients.
In this position, you will lead the practice owner in navigating compliance with regulatory bodies such as OSHA, EPA and FDA plus CDC who creates guidance for infection control in dental settings. Embracing this responsibility is key to cultivating a proactive safety culture that elevates our standards of care.
While maintaining compliance may be challenging, see it as an opportunity for growth. Dedicate time to meaningful actions that enhance safety, and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to focus on driving excellence.
Remember, OSHA requires policies to be “site-specific” and updated at least annually or within 90 days of new standards. Embrace this challenge as your opportunity to lead with purpose. Establishing a quality control manual will also help manage documentation effectively.
Once policies are in place, empower employees through strong training programs. New hire training must occur during orientation, within 90 days of updates, and annually thereafter. Ensure trainers are qualified and keep detailed training records for at least three years.
As a Safety Manager, you are a protector who must understand policies thoroughly and respond swiftly to incidents like needlesticks or blood exposure. Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences, including penalties for failing to establish necessary plans or providing evaluations for injured employees.
Implement robust post-exposure procedures and foster open discussions during training. By maintaining an up-to-date exposure control program and committing to annual training, you will create a safety-first environment for both employees and patients. Your leadership is essential in this mission.
References:
• US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Regulations (29-CRF). Bloodborne Pathogens 1910.1030. http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051
• International Sharps Injury Prevention Society http://www.isips.org