After an OSHA inspection, what action could be taken to ensure PPE is accessible?

Placing boxes of gloves, gowns, and masks in each patient's room is the most effective way to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is readily accessible to healthcare workers whenever they need it. Convenience and immediate access are critical in healthcare settings, especially in situations where there is potential exposure to infectious materials. By having PPE available in each room, staff can quickly don the necessary equipment to protect themselves and patients, thereby enhancing safety protocols and promoting compliance with OSHA regulations.

This approach aligns with the principles of infection control and emergency preparedness, ensuring that healthcare workers do not have to leave the patient's side to find protective gear, which can lead to delays and increased risk of exposure. It facilitates a culture of safety and ensures a rapid response to any situation that requires the use of PPE.

In contrast, providing masks only upon request or storing PPE in a locked cabinet limits accessibility and could become a barrier to effective use, while restricting PPE to the nursing station decreases the efficiency of its utilization during critical moments. Thus, the best practice for maintaining workplace safety and compliance is to ensure that PPE is abundantly available in the locations where it is most likely to be needed.