AORN renews OSHA alliance
By Carina Stanton
Senior News Editor
At AORN's 56th Congress is Chicago, AORN executive director Linda Groah , RN, MSN, CNOR, FAAN, and then-AORN President Susan Banschbach, RN, MSN, CNOR, signed a renewed alliance agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Linda Groah (left) and Susan Banschbach (right) sign
a renewed alliance with OSHA at AORN's 56th Congress
in Chicago. OSHA representative Ryan Tremain (center)
was part of the renewal signing.
The alliance, originally established in 2006, provides AORN's members and others, including perioperative healthcare providers and small businesses, including ambulatory surgery centers, with information, guidance and access to training resources to protect employees' health and safety. The alliance also allows AORN to provide a perioperative perspective on safety and health concerns related to occupational welfare in the healthcare setting, such as laser safety and non-transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
"AORN recognizes the value in establishing a collaborative relationship with OSHA to foster safer and healthier work environments. Through our collaboration we work together to promote education and enhanced practices for perioperative professionals," Groah said.
With the alliance renewal, AORN and OSHA will focus on preventing exposure to bloodborne diseases, exposure to smoke plume generated from the use of electrosurgery units and lasers, as well as laser safety.
In renewing this Alliance, AORN also recognizes the value of working with other OSHA alliance partners, including the Laser Institute of America and the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare, explained AORN President Patrick Voight, RN, BSN, MSA, CNOR.
To learn more about the alliance, visit AORN's OSHA alliance Web page.
Read more news in AORN Connections.