Dental Practice Cited by OSHA for Failing to Provide Medical Evaluation & Fit Testing for N95 Usage - OH&S Online

We wanted to share the following report as it clearly demonstrates one of the primary benefits of our Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) for dental and other health care professional practices: Easy Compliance.

In addition to an OSHA Assigned Protection Factor (APF) that is at least 2.5 times higher than N95 masks, the loose fit eliminates the need for time consuming and expensive medical evaluations and fit testing.

OSHA is out looking to make sure you're in compliance. Stay one step ahead the easy way with a one-size-fits-all solution that eliminates the complexities of compliance.

 

 

The following report is from Occupational Health & Safety Online, by Nikki Johnson-Bolden on Sep 21, 2020:

OSHA Cites Massachusetts Dental Practice for Coronavirus Protection Violations

[The practice] received six serious violations and a fine of $9,500.

[Practice] in Georgetown, Massachusetts was cited by OSHA on September 16, 2020 for violating standards such as respiratory protection.

[They were] cited for seven total violations, with six of them being classified as serious. The citations culminated in a penalty of $9,500, which the company has paid in full.

The dental practice was cited for failing to provide medical evaluations and fit testing for employees required to wear N-95 respirators. There were also citations for inadequate eyewash stations, insufficient bloodborne pathogen training and controls, lack of written programs related to respiratory protection and bloodborne pathogen exposure control and chemical hazard communication. The company has abated all of the citations.

“OSHA’s goal is to ensure abatement of hazards. With this settlement and hazard abatement, the goal has been met,” said Anthony Covello, OSHA Andover Area Officer Director. “OSHA will continue to field and respond to complaints and take steps needed to address unsafe workplaces.”

More information on OSHA standards can be found at osha.gov. Resources for health and safety practices during COVID-19 are available at OSHA’s coronavirus response webpage.

About the Author

Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.

 


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