Workers’ compensation claims can arise in dental offices just as in other job environments. Once a claim is filed, it is followed by processes such as medical record retrieval and review among others. What are the workplace injuries and illnesses dental practice employees may be susceptible to? They are exposed to some common safety risks such as slips and falls, and are also vulnerable to unique workplace hazards that could lead to injuries and illnesses on the job.
Typically, medical record analysis of injured employees show injuries acquired from the use of dental tools such as probes, explorers, and drills. Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants face the risk of injury and disease via hand-to-mouth contact or through puncture wounds. Therefore, a good workplace safety program and appropriate workers’ compensation insurance are vital to ensure the wellbeing of dental employees and the practice itself. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires dental practices to promote safe and healthy working conditions. OSHA does not have any specific standards for the dental industry, but there are many chemical, biological, physical, and environmental risks in dental practices that may be subject to OSHA requirements. Most importantly, caution must be taken against risks associated with blood-borne pathogens, radiation, cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
Sharps
(needles, blades such as scalpels) injuries:
These injuries are among the most common risks affecting workplace safety in
dental offices, according to research studies. Syringe punctures could expose
dentists and hygienists to harmful pathogens.
Exposure
to radiation: X-rays are used in the dental
practice to help diagnose damage or disease that may not be visible during a
standard exam. Radiation related injury is minor in dentistry, but appropriate
precautions must be taken to protect employees from unnecessary exposure. There
are specific requirements set by state laws and regulations for using X-ray
machines, and dentists have to be knowledgeable regarding these.
Hazardous
materials: Dental professionals may be exposed
to hazardous chemicals such as anesthetics and disinfectants as part of their
profession. Various chemicals are used in the dental workplace to carry out
dental treatment successfully. These include X-ray processing solutions,
decontamination solutions, mercury in amalgam fillings and so on. Knowledge of
their correct storage and usage by staff, and protection from misuse by all
others are important to avoid a hazardous workplace event. OSHA requires employers
to inform workers regarding the hazards present in the workplace and how they
can keep themselves safe.
Safety
Measures to Adopt in a Dental Practice
OSHA’s
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires the following:
Provide employee
safety training specific to handling bloodborne pathogens
A written exposure
control plan that must be updated every year
Provide employees
with appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves, masks,
glasses and gowns
Use of universal
precautions, which is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood
and bodily fluids as if they were known to contain HIV, HBV and other
bloodborne pathogens
Exposed employees
with a free Hepatitis B vaccine as well as any required medical follow-up
Use proper sharps disposal
boxes and containers for regulated waste and contaminated laundry
Employees
must be given information and training regarding the hazardous chemicals
present in their work area. The language and vocabulary must be that which
employees understand.
Employers
must maintain an accurate list of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
Provide
workers with Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for each substance, which give detailed
information about chemical hazards, side effects, exposure prevention and
emergency treatment procedures.
Label
chemical containers and clearly identify the material inside.
Given the presence of potential risks
in dental practices, dentists and orthodontists must proactively address such
hazards and prioritize dental staff safety. This will reduce the possibility of
workplace injuries, illnesses, and workers’ compensation claims. The effort
must be to provide a working environment that is safe, without health risks,
and adequate as regards arrangements and facilities for employees’ welfare at
work. The staff must be given whatever training, instruction or supervision
that are necessary to ensure health and safety. The Health and Safety
Performance of all staff must be reviewed on an annual basis. Also, you must be
aware of and look into any concerns or failures as and when they occur. These
steps will help minimize the identified risks as far as possible, and thereby
prevent harm to workers.
How to Reduce Risk and Workers’ Comp Claims in a Dental Practice
Workers’ compensation claims can arise in dental offices just as in other job environments. Once a claim is filed, it is followed by processes such as medical record retrieval and review among others. What are the workplace injuries and illnesses dental practice employees may be susceptible to? They are exposed to some common safety risks such as slips and falls, and are also vulnerable to unique workplace hazards that could lead to injuries and illnesses on the job.
Typically, medical record analysis of injured employees show injuries acquired from the use of dental tools such as probes, explorers, and drills. Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants face the risk of injury and disease via hand-to-mouth contact or through puncture wounds. Therefore, a good workplace safety program and appropriate workers’ compensation insurance are vital to ensure the wellbeing of dental employees and the practice itself. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires dental practices to promote safe and healthy working conditions. OSHA does not have any specific standards for the dental industry, but there are many chemical, biological, physical, and environmental risks in dental practices that may be subject to OSHA requirements. Most importantly, caution must be taken against risks associated with blood-borne pathogens, radiation, cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
Safety Measures to Adopt in a Dental Practice
Given the presence of potential risks in dental practices, dentists and orthodontists must proactively address such hazards and prioritize dental staff safety. This will reduce the possibility of workplace injuries, illnesses, and workers’ compensation claims. The effort must be to provide a working environment that is safe, without health risks, and adequate as regards arrangements and facilities for employees’ welfare at work. The staff must be given whatever training, instruction or supervision that are necessary to ensure health and safety. The Health and Safety Performance of all staff must be reviewed on an annual basis. Also, you must be aware of and look into any concerns or failures as and when they occur. These steps will help minimize the identified risks as far as possible, and thereby prevent harm to workers.
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