As you work through Chapter 14 you will see that the breadth and depth of the role of HR in maintaining Health, Safety, and Security in a Healthcare Organization is nearly overwhelming. It is vital to be able to access resources that are available to assist. Several of them are included in this course and two major resources are found under week 8 Chapter readings; and
they are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website and the Joint Commission website.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a regulatory agency that is part of the United States Department of Labor. Its mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees. OSHA sets and enforces standards to protect workers and provides training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and employees. In the healthcare setting, OSHA plays a crucial role in promoting and maintaining health, safety, and security.
The OSHA website is a valuable resource for HR professionals in healthcare organizations. It provides access to a wide range of information and resources related to health and safety in the workplace. HR professionals can find regulations, training materials, guidance documents, and other tools to help them understand and comply with OSHA standards. The website also offers e-tools and interactive programs that can assist in hazard identification and prevention, as well as compliance assistance for specific healthcare industry hazards.
Some of the key topics covered by OSHA in the healthcare industry include bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, respiratory protection, and workplace violence. HR professionals can use the OSHA website to access regulations and guidance specific to these topics, as well as resources to help them develop and implement effective health and safety programs.
Another major resource for HR professionals in healthcare organizations is the Joint Commission website. The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. Accreditation by the Joint Commission is considered a mark of quality and excellence in healthcare.
The Joint Commission website provides access to a wealth of information and resources related to healthcare quality and safety. HR professionals can find standards, guidelines, and tools to help them ensure compliance with Joint Commission requirements. The website also offers educational materials, webinars, and other resources to assist healthcare organizations in their quality improvement efforts.
One of the key areas of focus for the Joint Commission is patient safety. HR professionals can find resources on topics such as patient identification, infection prevention and control, medication management, and falls prevention. The website also provides access to data and publications that can help healthcare organizations benchmark their performance and identify areas for improvement.
In addition to the OSHA website and the Joint Commission website, there are many other resources available to HR professionals in healthcare organizations. Professional associations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) provide access to a wealth of information and resources related to HR in healthcare. There are also numerous books, articles, and online forums where HR professionals can learn from others in the field and stay up to date on best practices.
In conclusion, HR professionals in healthcare organizations have a critical role in maintaining health, safety, and security. Access to resources is vital to assist in fulfilling this role. The OSHA and Joint Commission websites are two major resources that provide valuable information and tools for HR professionals in the healthcare industry. Additionally, professional associations and other sources of information can also be beneficial in staying informed and effective in the role of HR in maintaining health, safety, and security in a healthcare organization.