Business & Professional Practice

Lesson 10 of 10

Workplace safety and OSHA basics

A safe workplace protects clients, practitioners, and coworkers through routine prevention and clear response plans. In the United States, OSHA standards and employer duties depend on the workplace and circumstances; small or self-employed settings should still use sound hazard-control practices. Identify risks before they cause injury, maintain equipment, and know how to respond to emergencies. Local fire, sanitation, and occupational rules may also apply.

Key points

• Keep walkways clear, floors dry, cords secured, and exits accessible.
• Inspect tables, bolsters, electrical devices, and linens; remove damaged equipment from service.
• Follow product labels and safety data for cleaning chemicals, including ventilation and protective equipment.
• Use standard precautions: hand hygiene, appropriate cleaning, and safe handling of contaminated materials.
• Know emergency contacts, first-aid resources, evacuation routes, and incident-reporting steps.
• Train workers on hazards and procedures as required; document training and corrective actions.
• Report hazards promptly and correct root causes rather than relying only on warnings.

Key terms

OSHA

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which administers workplace safety rules and resources.

Hazard

A condition or activity with potential to cause injury, illness, or damage.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document describing chemical hazards, handling, protective measures, and emergency response.

Standard precautions

Routine infection-prevention measures used to reduce exposure to potentially infectious material.

Incident report

A factual record of an injury, near miss, or other workplace safety event.

Corrective action

A measure taken to eliminate or reduce a hazard and help prevent recurrence.