OSHA News

OSHA and the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare renew Alliance

(June 04, 2008)-- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) recently renewed their Alliance to protect employee safety and health, particularly relating to reducing and preventing exposure to patient handling hazards, bloodbourne diseases and emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities.

"Healthcare professionals are exposed to a variety of on-the-job hazards everyday," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "OSHA and AOHP are sensitive to the risks common in this industry, and are committed to continuing our efforts in developing materials and resources that protect healthcare employees from occupational hazards."

Through the Alliance, AOHP developed "Beyond Getting Started: A Resource Guide for Implementing a Safe Patient Handling Program in the Acute Care Setting," which provides occupational health professionals in the healthcare industry with the necessary tools to implement a safe patient handling program. Additionally, OSHA representatives made presentations and offered resource materials during AOHP-sponsored events. Representatives from AOHP serve on the editorial board of OSHA's Bloodbourne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention Safety and Health Topics page.

"AOHP is delighted that our Alliance has been renewed with OSHA. The Alliance has provided an opportunity for AOHP to share its expertise in the area of occupational health and safety in the healthcare setting as well as contribute to OSHA's mission to promote the safety and health of all workers. We look forward to our continued collaboration." MaryAnn Gruden, CRNP, MSN, NP-C, COHN-S/CM, and AOHP Association Community Liaison.

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