What does OSHA say about providing staff with Hepititis B vaccines free of charge? Or does it?

Question

I work for a dentist who didn't flat out refuse to pay for the employees Hepatitis B vaccines/boosters, but he did make the comment that he expected us all to have this taken care of before mid November. When I responded that money was really tight right now before Christmas, especially with my husband out on medical leave for 10 weeks, and could we find a really cheap place, he responded " You know, you need this for your JOB. And if you don't have this job, you wouldn't be having much of a Christmas anyways, so I would think that this would be pretty important to take care of, wouldn't you?"

After checking with some others in the medical field, including other doctors, I was told that there is an OSHA law that required employers to provide this shot free of charge to any employee who is exposed to human blood, fluids, or waste. This would obviously include me and my co-workers.
Does anyone know about this law and could help me get the info?

And if you could provide a link or some other way of getting proof, I would really be grateful. This guy is, well I won't say what he is, but he is not the type to just take my word for it. He will want proof from the proper organization. I was send an article from I think the CDC that said a law was passed in 1997 concerning this, but I need to make sure that no other laws have contradicted that since then.

Answer 1

The shots are required if there is a risk of exposure. Or you can decline the shots if you feel the risk is small enough and you don't want them.

In any medical setting I cannot see a doctor who does not understand he should provide them as it is clearly stipulated under OSHA regs. However, most small practices that have less than 10 employees do not fall under OSHA so the regs would not apply.

If you have health insurance the vaccines may be covered as the HBV vaccine is now a standard part of the standard vaccination series. Most school districts now require it, as do colleges and school sports teams.

OSHA Standards:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051

ADA's Statement on Bloodborne Pathogens:
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/blood.asp

Good luck! I think your boss is just cheap.

Answer 2

See "Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, OSHA revised the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.", or Contact your local OSHA office, usually found in the phone book under US Department of Labor, or "Google" OSHA.

In my experience, if the employer requires a safety equipment, or in your case a procedure (shots) the employer must provide same at no cost to employees. The general premise of OSHA, is that the employer shall provide a safe and healthful working environment.

On the other hand, if it is "recommended", then the employer has no obligation to pay for or provide the shots.

Answer 3

Go to the OSHA website. http://www.osha.gov/ And see if there is info. to show your boss.

Don't you have medical insurance that pays for you to go to the doctor for these types of things? If not, then when you are filling out taxes this winter write off the cost of the shot.

Answer 4

It is a regualation. He is obviously a skinflint. Since it is a one time immunization he is hoping everyone has already been immunized. If you stick it to him he may fire you for some other reason out of spite. The next person he hires he will insist on years of expericence hoping they will be immunized.

But working for a dentist you better get the immunization. Call the local health department to see if they will help you.

Answer 5

The Hep b vaccine is best given to toddlers who're at hazard akin to toddlers whose dad and mom had been born in top hazard nations or are injecting drug customers. If a child isn't at hazard they don't have to receive unecessary vaccines and located at unecessary hazard of an opposed response.