According to OSHA, which statement best describes the responsibilities of health care employees?

• A. Keep work and patient care areas clean; Use protective equipment and clothing; Dispose of wastes in proper containers; Dispose of sharps in proper sharp containers; Wash hands after removal of gloves; Immediately report exposure to a supervisor
• B. Use protective equipment and clothing only
• C. Dispose of wastes in proper containers only
• D. Keep work and patient care areas clean only

Answer: (A)

OSHA expects health care workers to engage in a range of safety practices, not just one aspect. The best statement combines cleaning of work and patient areas, use of protective equipment and clothing, proper disposal of wastes and sharps, hand hygiene after removing gloves, and reporting exposures to a supervisor. This reflects the comprehensive approach in infection control and safety plans, including standard precautions and the exposure control plan, ensuring both prevention of transmission and proper follow-up when exposures occur. The other options focus on only one safety element and miss the full set of responsibilities.