AKOSH Local Emphasis Program Focused on Health Care Workplaces

AKOSH's enforcement inspections under the program will focus on the types of hazards commonly found in hospitals and other health care settings: slips, trips, and falls; bloodborne pathogens; tuberculosis; workplace violence; and ergonomics.

Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) started a Local Emphasis Program on Oct. 1, 2018, for safety and health inspections in several segments of the health care industry. The agency's Nov. 21 announcement of it said the program is part of a five-year strategic plan to reduce the rate of occupational illnesses, injuries, and deaths in Alaska by focusing on the construction, seafood processing, and health care industries.

The new program focuses attention on work sites in Alaska that fall under AKOSH's jurisdiction in these areas of health care and social assistance:

  • hospitals
  • offices of physicians and dentists
  • outpatient care centers
  • medical and diagnostic laboratories
  • home health care services
  • other ambulatory health care services
  • nursing and residential care facilities
  • social assistance

The announcement said AKOSH's enforcement inspections under the program will focus on the types of hazards commonly found in hospitals and other health care settings: slips, trips, and falls; bloodborne pathogens; tuberculosis; workplace violence; and ergonomics. The enforcement officers will expand the scope of an inspection if the employer's OSHA 300 logs demonstrate high injury or illness rates related to other hazards, as well. During enforcement inspections, the officers will also evaluate the employers' overall safety and health management systems.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Shower Test Cart

    The Safety Shower Test Cart speeds up and simplifies emergency shower tests, ensures you stay in compliance with OSHA regulations, and significantly reduces testing costs. With 7 unique features, the cart makes testing easy, effective, and efficient. You can test water clarity, flow, temperature, and spread—all at the same time! Most safety shower testing kits create a mess, take too much time to use, and don't fully help you stay in compliance with OSHA & ANSI standards. Transform the way you test emergency showers with Green Gobbler Safety. Read More

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence