January 1, 2007—Registered nurses and other healthcare providers stand to benefit from a safer workplace as a result of a new alliance signed December 15 between the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN).
The alliance will particularly focus on preventing exposure to bloodborne diseases, ergonomic injuries, and exposure to smoke generated from the use of electrosurgery units and lasers.
Under the alliance, AORN will work with OSHA to develop training and education programs for AORN members and others regarding the prevention of percutaneous injuries. AORN will also work with OSHA to develop information in the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards and to develop ways of communicating this to employers and employees in the industry.
AORN is a professional, 40,000-member association for perioperative registered nurses that promotes excellence in perioperative nursing.
