Reminder: Bloodborne Pathogens Crackdown in PA

For all textile services companies located within the jurisdiction of the Wilkes-Barre (PA) Area Office of OSHA Region III, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently carrying out a local emphasis program for bloodborne pathogens. The program expires on Sept. 30.

The notice establishes a local emphasis program for compliance with the provisions of OSHA standard 1910.1030 in the healthcare industry, with the primary focus on outpatient care centers and laundry services, according to a memo distributed by OSHA. The memo states that “OSHA published revisions to the bloodborne pathogen standard with an effective date of April 18, 2001, which require the use of engineered sharps to further reduce employee exposure, and the creation of a needle stick incident log. The Wilkes-Barre Area Office has found numerous instances of noncompliance in the healthcare industry since the promulgation of this revised regulation.”

TRSA is aware of at least one recent inspection of an area laundry. To read the notice distributed by OSHA, click here.

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