Preventing the Most Frequent Cal/OSHA Violations

1. Bloodborne Pathogen Violations

The Risk 

Healthcare workers are constantly exposed to bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Needlesticks, improperly handled biohazardous waste, and lack of protective equipment can all lead to infection risks.   

Common Cal/Osha Violations 

• Failure to provide proper training on bloodborne pathogens 

• Inadequate or missing exposure control plans 

• Improper disposal of sharps and biohazardous materials 

• Lack of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 

How to Avoid This Violation 

• Train all employees on bloodborne pathogens upon hiring and annually thereafter. 

• Maintain a written Exposure Control Plan and update it regularly. 

• Ensure proper use and disposal of sharps in designated containers. 

• Provide PPE like gloves, gowns, and face shields to all at-risk staff. 

  Pro Tip: Encourage a “safety-first” culture where employees feel comfortable reporting hazardous situations without fear of reprimand.   

2. Workplace Violence Prevention Deficiencies

The Risk 

Healthcare workers face a high risk of workplace violence from patients, visitors, and even coworkers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers account for nearly 75% of all workplace violence-related injuries.   

Common Cal/Osha Violations 

• No formal workplace violence prevention plan 

• Lack of staff training on de-escalation techniques 

• Failure to report and document violent incidents 

• Inadequate security measures in high-risk areas 

How to Avoid This Violation 

• Develop a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan as required by Cal/OSHA. 

• Train staff on recognizing and de-escalating violent situations. 

• Encourage employees to report violent incidents and provide support for those affected. 

• Implement security measures such as panic buttons, surveillance cameras, and controlled access to restricted areas. 

  Pro Tip: Conduct regular drills so employees feel prepared to handle violent situations.   

3. Failure to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

The Risk 

Wet floors, cluttered hallways, and improperly maintained equipment create serious slip-and-fall hazards. These accidents can lead to fractures, head injuries, and lost workdays.   

Common Cal/Osha Violations 

• Lack of warning signs for wet floors 

• Cluttered work areas leading to tripping hazards 

• Improperly stored cords or medical equipment 

• Failure to provide slip-resistant flooring 

How to Avoid This Violation 

• Place easy-to-see signs near wet floors to warn people.
• Keep hallways and work areas free from clutter to avoid trips and falls.
• Secure cords and equipment properly so they don’t create tripping hazards.
• Use non-slip flooring and provide staff with slip-resistant shoes for better traction.

  Pro Tip: Assign daily safety checks to a designated team member to ensure hallways and patient rooms remain hazard-free.   

4. Inadequate Respiratory Protection Programs

The Risk 

Airborne illnesses like tuberculosis, COVID-19, and the flu pose a significant threat in healthcare settings. Without proper respiratory protection, healthcare workers can easily contract and spread infections.   

Common Cal/Osha Violations 

• Lack of proper fit testing for N95 masks 

• Failure to provide respiratory protection training 

• Not replacing or restocking masks and filters when necessary 

• Inadequate ventilation in high-risk areas 

How to Avoid This Violation 

• Make sure employees who wear N95 masks get a fit test every year to ensure proper protection.
• Teach staff how to correctly wear, clean, and dispose of masks.
• Check and restock protective gear regularly so there’s always enough available.
• Improve airflow in patient rooms and isolation areas to reduce the spread of germs.

  Pro Tip: Make PPE accessibility a priority—stock masks and respirators at multiple, easy-to-reach locations.   

5. Hazardous Chemical Handling Mistakes

The Risk 

Hospitals and clinics use numerous chemicals for cleaning, sterilization, and medical procedures. Improper handling of these substances can lead to burns, respiratory issues, or even long-term health conditions.   

Common Cal/Osha Violations 

• Missing or outdated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 

• Improper storage of hazardous chemicals 

• Failure to train staff on chemical hazards 

• Lack of appropriate PPE when handling dangerous substances 

How to Avoid This Violation 

• Maintain an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet for every chemical on-site. 

• Store chemicals in properly labeled, secure containers. 

• Train staff on chemical safety and emergency response procedures. 

• Provide gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling chemicals. 

  Pro Tip: Use a digital tracking system to keep SDS sheets updated and easily accessible.   

6. Poor Ergonomics Leading to Musculoskeletal Disorders

The Risk 

Lifting patients, standing for long hours, and using improperly adjusted workstations can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive strain injuries.   

Common Cal/Osha Violations 

• Lack of ergonomic training for staff 

• No proper lifting techniques or assistive devices 

• Improper workstation setups leading to poor posture 

• Ignoring employee complaints about physical discomfort 

How to Avoid This Violation 

• Train staff on proper lifting and body mechanics. 

• Provide lifting equipment (such as Hoyer lifts or transfer belts) to reduce strain. 

• Adjust workstations to promote good posture and minimize strain. 

• Encourage regular breaks to reduce repetitive stress injuries. 

  Pro Tip: Conduct periodic ergonomic assessments to ensure workspaces are optimized for employee safety.   

7. Lack of Emergency Preparedness

The Risk 

Emergencies like fires, power outages, natural disasters, or active shooter situations can happen at any time. A lack of preparedness can lead to chaos, injuries, or even fatalities.   

Common Cal/Osha Violations 

• No written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) 

• Failure to conduct regular emergency drills 

• Lack of clear evacuation routes and signage 

• Poor communication systems during emergencies 

How to Avoid This Violation 

• Develop and regularly update an Emergency Action Plan based on Cal/OSHA guidelines. 

• Conduct quarterly emergency drills to prepare staff. 

• Clearly mark evacuation routes and emergency exits. 

• Implement mass notification systems to quickly alert employees during an emergency. 

  Pro Tip: Assign emergency response roles to specific staff members to improve coordination during crises.   

Final Thoughts 

Cal/OSHA violations in healthcare settings are preventable with the right approach. By proactively addressing workplace hazards, providing proper training, and fostering a safety-first culture, healthcare providers can protect both their employees and their patients.    By prioritizing safety, healthcare facilities can reduce risks, improve compliance, and create a healthier workplace for everyone.  

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Compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations is more than just meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating a safer, more efficient, and trustworthy healthcare environment. Proper training ensures your team is prepared to identify and lessen risks, reducing violations and enhancing workplace safety.  At American Medical Compliance, we help healthcare providers stay ahead of regulatory changes, optimize safety protocols, and streamline compliance training. Our customized, free course development program empowers your large team with tailored training solutions that enhance efficiency, minimize risks, and build a culture of trust. Don’t wait for compliance issues to arise—enroll your team today and take a proactive approach to workplace safety!  Get started now! Click here.