Final answer:
The Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates employers to maintain a sharps injury log and include nonmanagerial employees in choosing safer medical devices. This standard is part of OSHA's comprehensive regulations for workplace safety and health, spanning various protective measures and employee engagement in safety practices.The correct option is A) Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Step-by-step explanation:
The act that mandated that employers maintain a sharps injury log and involved nonmanagerial employees in selecting safer medical devices is the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This requirement helps to ensure that workplaces, particularly healthcare environments, minimize the risks associated with the handling of sharps, which could potentially be contaminated with bloodborne pathogens.
OSHA standards are designed to protect workers from a broad range of hazards, including exposure to infectious diseases, and require employer adherence to specific safety protocols. Employers are also mandated to involve employees in safety decisions, provide necessary safety training, keep accurate records of work-related injuries and incidences, and report certain incidents to OSHA within specified timeframes.
In addition to monitoring and managing direct workplace hazards related to sharp instruments and infectious exposure, OSHA regulates aspects of worker safety such as chemical exposure and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers must provide PPE at no cost and are also responsible for informing and training workers about potential chemical hazards.
Notably, OSHA emphasizes that employers first address hazards through changes in working conditions before relying on PPE. Furthermore, employers must abide by the General Duty Clause, which requires the maintenance of a workplace free from serious recognized hazards, even when no specific standard applies.