JCAHO/OSHA compliance

Safety and health managers in healthcare face a challenge when it comes to administering JCAHO and OSHA standards, according to Business & Legal Reports. They must address the requirements of both entities. Joseph McFadden, president of McFadden and Associates, safety and health consultants in Denver, Colorado, offers helpful tips on the standards:

* JCAHO standards are for healthcare facilities only. OSHA covers many industries.
* JCAHO does not issue monetary fines. OSHA does.
* A non-compliant review by JCAHO may lead to non-accreditation. Failure to comply with OSHA standards leads to citations which many include monetary fines.
* JCAHO may perform unannounced inspections, but not always. OSHA inspections are usually unannounced.
* JCAHO requires written follow-up reports. OSHA requires a written plan of action.
* JCAHO requires written policies and procedures. OSHA may require written safety and health plans and procedures.
* JCAHO covers patients, visitors and staff safety. OSHA covers employee safety only.
* JCAHO requires staff training. OSHA requires employee training.
* JCAHO follows OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard. OSHA enforces the bloodborne pathogens standard.