The U.S. Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined a Washington, DC, dental clinic $61,600 for 26 alleged serious violations.
The Smile Center Dental clinic, which is owned by MD Dental Center, was inspected in February in response to a complaint, according to an OSHA news release. The violations include workers' exposure to blood-borne pathogens without an exposure control plan or proper training, workers without proper eye protection when using chemicals to sanitize medical instruments, exposure to electrical hazards, and the use of inadequate personal protective equipment.
In addition, the clinic failed to provide workers with hepatitis B vaccinations within 10 days of employment, did not have an adequate hazard communication program and training in place, failed to properly label chemicals, and did not maintain material safety data sheets for chemicals used onsite.
A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard, according to the OSHA.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the Baltimore/Washington area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Administration Commission.
