What are your OSHA duties to temporary workers (“temps”) whom you hire from a temp agency to work at your medical office? Stated differently, are you or the temp agency responsible for the temp’s health and safety? Here’s a set of scenario quizzes that illustrate how the rules work. SCENARIO 1: RESPONSIBILITY FOR HAZCOM TRAINING The Temps R’Us Agency (Agency) assigns an … [Read more...] about Who Has OSHA responsibility for the health & safety of a temp?
Workplace Safety
Medical office safety briefing – Preventing slips, trips, and falls
Dear [Medical Office] Team, The safety and well-being of our staff and patients are of utmost importance. In a medical setting, preventing slips, trips, and falls is crucial to ensure a secure environment for both employees and those seeking medical care. Please take note of the following guidelines to minimize the risk of accidents: Clear Pathways: Keep … [Read more...] about Medical office safety briefing – Preventing slips, trips, and falls
When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a talented but difficult employee, whose performance has always been spotty but recently went downhill. Lately, “Scott” has dragged himself into the office every morning. He looks exhausted. His eyelids half-close during staff meetings. Because I felt concerned, I asked him if he was okay. He said he was just working too hard. He pointed … [Read more...] about When a full-time employee works a second full-time job
How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), observed in October, is a time to recognize victims and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. As the manager of a medical office, you are in a unique position to detect possible abuse of both patients and staff members and to be of help. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any … [Read more...] about How to help someone suffering domestic abuse
How to make your medical office a little greener
In today's world, environmental sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a responsibility that every industry must shoulder, including healthcare. Medical offices play a vital role in the well-being of patients, but they also have a significant impact on the environment. As a medical office manager, you have the power to lead the charge in reducing your office's … [Read more...] about How to make your medical office a little greener
Follow these 5 rules when firing a staffer
Managers make a lot of clumsy mistakes with firings. And it's usually because they don't know what to say. Sometimes they want to make the firing easier on the employee. Sometimes they want to make it easier on themselves. Here are five firing pointers. 1 The discussion is now ended First isn't what to do but what not to do. Don't unload on the staffer. Sometimes that's … [Read more...] about Follow these 5 rules when firing a staffer
Before, during and after a flood: Is your medical office prepared?
Flood preparedness is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your flood preparedness plan to ensure it remains effective and aligned with any changes in your medical office's operations and environment. Pre-Flood Preparedness: Risk Assessment: Identify flood-prone areas near the medical office and assess the likelihood of flooding. Emergency Contacts: Maintain … [Read more...] about Before, during and after a flood: Is your medical office prepared?
Be ready for disaster with an emergency preparedness plan
From power outages to rainstorms, earthquakes to wildfires, the unexpected can happen. That's why your office needs a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan is essential. Here are key steps in establishing a plan. 1. Assess Vulnerabilities: Begin by identifying potential risks that could impact your office, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes), power … [Read more...] about Be ready for disaster with an emergency preparedness plan
Personal Disaster Preparation Safety Briefing
Dear [Company Name] Team, We all know that disaster preparedness is essential for our safety and well-being, both at work and in our personal lives. Emergencies can happen without warning, so it's crucial to be informed and ready to respond. This safety briefing will provide you with important information on how to prepare for disasters that may occur at work, at home, or … [Read more...] about Personal Disaster Preparation Safety Briefing
18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
Running a medical office comes the responsibility for ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. Failure to meet compliance requirements can lead to legal, financial, and reputational troubles. Here are some—but by no means all—the ways your medical office can run into compliance trouble: HIPAA Violations: Failure to protect patient health information and maintain … [Read more...] about 18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations