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Risky Business: Compliance Is Not An Option

Risky Business: Compliance Is Not An Option

Out of the 33 dental labs that were inspected by OSHA from Jan. 1, 2009 to Feb. 15, 2010, 16 were initiated by complaints and 14 were planned inspections because dental labs fell into a targeted industry category. Targeted industries are chosen for several reasons, one being survey results compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showing a high number of occupational injuries in a particular industry.
The table below shows what the inspectors cited at the different labs resulting in fines totaling over $9,000.  This does not begin to cover the tens of thousands of dollars spent in remediation of the items cited or the hidden costs due to lost production from an inspection occurring. Download this table the following and ensure you have covered these items in your lab and remember, compliance is not optional, but is definitely achievable.

Author Information
Mary Borg
Borg is the co-founder and president of SafeLink Consulting Inc. Since 1991, she has actively participated as a presenter and on-site instructor to audiences of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratory technicians throughout the US. Prior to founding SafeLink Consulting , Borg held senior level management positions in mortgage banking, banking and the family entertainment business. Her positions included responsibility for facilities management, human resources, risk management, crisis and disaster recovery and health and safety.