QUESTION If one of our employees gets a DUI, do they have to notify us? ANSWER It depends. EXPLANATION There are at least four factors affecting whether the employee would have to come … [Read more...]
LAB OPERATIONS
Earning our Spot on the Patient-Centered Care Team
August 12, 2019
By Jennifer Dawson, MHA, FACHE, CPHQ, LSSBB, DLM(ASCP)SLS, QIHC, QLC bio There is a lot of talk these days about integrating the laboratory into patient-centered care teams1 and about … [Read more...]
SAFETY
Ergonomics in the Laboratory Setting
July 28, 2019
By Dan Scungio, MT (ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ) bio Sometimes when I am talking about lab safety and the topic turns to ergonomics, I get an unusual reaction from the audience—laughter. It … [Read more...]
MANAGING STAFF
Trap to Avoid: Asking Lab Employees about Their Latex Allergies
July 15, 2019
"Are you allergic to latex?" It seems like a perfectly legitimate thing to ask, especially to an employee who's expected to wear latex gloves on the job. The problem is that asking the question may … [Read more...]
MANAGING STAFF
Compliance Perspectives: How to Implement a Respiratory Protection Program at Your Lab
June 17, 2019
Worker exposure to infection and hazardous substances is a constant and pressing challenge for lab managers. And if yours is among the many labs where workers are required to use respirators, you face … [Read more...]
LAB SAFETY
Changes in hazardous waste management: the Generator Improvement Rule
June 3, 2019
By Dan Scungio, MT (ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ) bio If you haven't heard by now, you should know that the EPA published its Generator Improvement Rule (GIR) in 2016. It is an update to the … [Read more...]
LAB SAFETY
The Safety Interpretation
September 10, 2018
By Dan Scungio, MT (ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ) bio When hospitals were placed on OSHA's list of "high-risk" workplaces, no one had to ask why. OSHA adjusts that list based on the number of … [Read more...]
COMPLIANCE
Where’s your lab safety manual?
August 6, 2018
By Dan Scungio, MT (ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ) bio Laboratory leadership should be committed to providing a safe working environment, and they should believe their employees have a right to … [Read more...]
LAB SAFETY
Tool: Respirator Fit Testing Checklist
June 21, 2018
If you require lab workers to use respirators, you must implement a Respiratory Protection Program that meets the standards set out in the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (1910.134(f)) … [Read more...]
LAB SAFETY
Compliance Perspectives: The 12 Things to Include in Your Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy
June 11, 2018
MYTH Employee drug testing is illegal in states where it's legal to use recreational or medical marijuana WHAT'S AT STAKE No! No! No! The truth is that state laws on marijuana use and … [Read more...]
