Since 1971, OSHA has implemented recordkeeping policies that recognize workplace hazards and enforce opportunities for correction. To ensure that hazardous conditions are clear, businesses and practices must keep track of work-related injuries, illnesses, and their causes.

In dentistry, recordkeeping may appear slightly different as OSHA exempts dental employers from maintaining and posting the OSHA Form Log and the Form 300A summary. However, there are still basic dental recordkeeping procedures to follow regarding the following.

Reporting Serious Injuries and Fatalities

Individuals responsible for the oversight of dental professionals in a practice must report all work-related fatalities to OSHA within eight hours of notice. All work-related in-patient admissions, amputations, and eye losses must be made aware to the organization within 24 hours of notification.

Employers can report severe injuries and fatalities to OSHA via telephone to their local office or 24-hours hotline. An employer can also move through the reporting process by submitting OSHA’s online reporting form.

Recordkeeping Procedures

Despite the discrepancy in recordkeeping, dental practices are not exempt from documenting exposure incidents of bloodborne pathogen exposure or injuries on their sharps injury log. Other injuries, including first aid, also require reporting.

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure: Records for those exposed to bloodborne pathogens include the individual's name, social security number, and details on their Hepatitis B vaccination status. The employee would need to disclose the date of their vaccination and any additional information on their ability to receive it.

Sharps Injuries: Employers must record all needlestick and sharps cuts and injuries as these tools can harbor blood contaminants and other infectious material.

To complete the report, you’ll need the date and time of exposure, the procedure being performed at the time of the injury. You’ll also need to include specific information such as the shift and type of device used.

First Aid: There must be physical records of all situations requiring first aid treatment. Each event must include the employee's name, the date and time of occurrence, and details sequencing the event and type of first aid administered.

Moving Forward

Maintaining employee wellbeing is a priority, especially when engaging in responsibilities. Basic OSHA dental recordkeeping procedures are vital to upholding when evaluating problem areas and their effects on staff.

At Gamma Compliance Solutions, our purpose is to provide dentistry professionals with the proper training knowledge to succeed in their field. You can complete dental OSHA training online through one of our many courses to ensure safety while performing duties. If you have questions about our catalog, please don’t hesitate to contact us.