A Guide to Workplace Inspections in Dental Practices

Prioritizing Health and Safety: A Guide to Workplace Inspections in Dental Practices

Tarek Hafez

In the active world of dental care, one thing always remains a top priority, the well-being of the patients and staff. Ensuring a safe and healthy environment in a dental clinic is not just a commitment; it’s an ethical obligation. One of the fundamental tools in achieving this commitment is regular health and safety workplace inspections, as mandated by the Canada Labour Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario (OHSA). In this blog post, we will explore the importance of these inspections in your dental practice and the key areas they cover to maintain a secure and thriving clinic. 

The Significance of Health and Safety Inspections

Workplace inspections in a dental practice in Ontario are systematic evaluations conducted to identify and address potential hazards, ensure compliance with provincial and federal regulations, and maintain a safe and healthy environment for both staff and patients. These inspections are an essential component of your prevention program. They are not just a legal requirement; they are a commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone in the dental clinic. 

Types of Inspections

An efficient and accurate prevention program includes several types of inspections: 

  1. Spot Inspections: Focus on specific hazards associated with specific work in the workplace. 
  2. Pre-Operation Inspections: Evaluations of special equipment and processes before use to ensure they meet safety standards. 
  3. Critical Part Inspections: Focused assessments of critical components or processes with high-risk potential. An example of this type of inspection is done on reprocessing equipment such as sterilizers when conducting preventive maintenance. 
  4. New Equipment Inspections: Assessments of newly acquired equipment to ensure it complies with safety regulations. This type of inspection is usually done on new handpieces before employing in circulation.  
  5. Routine Inspections: Regular, scheduled inspections to maintain ongoing safety and compliance. These inspections are the most comprehensive covering all working conditions, work hazards, process, and practices. 
Legal Requirements 

Workplace inspections are a legal requirement in Canada and, specifically, in the province of Ontario. According to Part 2 of the Canada Labour Code (CLC), employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of any person in their employ or whom they provide access to the workplace. With the specific obligations outlined in the code, conducting workplace inspections is the best way to fulfill employer responsibilities. Under the OHSA and the CLC, workplaces must be inspected at least once a month. If monthly inspections are not practical for a particular workplace, a physical inspection of the workplace’s condition can be done at least once a year, with specific parts of the workplace inspected each month. 

The Routine Inspection 

The most common type of inspection in a dental practice in Ontario is the routine inspection, and it holds significant importance. Its main objectives are as follows: 

  1. Identifying Health and Safety Hazards: Routine inspections help identify potential health and safety hazards in the workplace and identify trends and patterns. 
  2. Developing Standards and Procedures: They aid in the development of health and safety standards and procedures. 
  3. Establishing Preventive Controls: Routine inspections enable the establishment of preventive controls to mitigate identified hazards.  
  4. Monitoring Effectiveness: They allow for the continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of established controls, and progress of corrective actions placed in the workplace.  

These inspections should not be seen as isolated or one-time activities. To be effective, they must be performed regularly and be an integral part of a systematic accident prevention program. 

Setting Up an Effective Inspection Program 

There are four essential steps to setting up a well-rounded and efficient workplace inspection program: 

  1. Planning the Action: Determine what actions need to be taken and establish clear inspection objectives. 
  2. Physical Inspection: Conduct thorough inspections of the premises, equipment, and processes. 
  3. Writing Reports: Document your findings and recommendations in detailed inspection reports while being concise, factual, and free of biases.  
  4. Following Up on Recommendations: Ensure that recommended corrective actions are implemented and monitored. 
Key Areas Covered in Workplace Inspections in Dental Practices in Ontario 

During workplace inspections in dental practices in Ontario, several key areas are typically covered to ensure the safety of both staff and patients:  

  1. Infection Control Compliance: Strict adherence to infection control protocols, including but not limited to hand hygiene, surface disinfection, PPE, and proper sterilization of instruments. 
  2. Equipment Safety: Verification of the condition and maintenance of dental equipment. 
  3. Radiation Safety: Inspection of X-ray equipment and radiation protection measures. 
  4. Chemical Safety: Evaluation of chemical storage and handling procedures. 
  5. Emergency Preparedness: Confirmation of the availability and condition of emergency equipment. 
  6. Ergonomics: Assessment of ergonomic setups to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. 
  7. Waste Management: Verification of proper biohazardous and medical waste disposal. 
  8. Patient Safety: Examination of patient areas and equipment sanitization. 
  9. Documentation and Training: Review of staff training records and certifications. 
  10. Compliance with Regulations: Ensuring compliance with provincial and federal health and safety regulations. 
  11. Feedback and Improvement: Encouraging staff to report safety concerns and near-miss incidents.

Health and safety workplace inspections are not merely a legal requirement; they are a proactive approach to prioritizing the well-being of everyone in your dental clinic. By addressing potential hazards, ensuring compliance with regulations, and continually improving safety measures, you can build trust with your patients, protect your staff, and maintain a thriving dental practice in Ontario. Embrace these inspections as an opportunity to uphold the highest standards of care and safety in your clinic.

To find out how we can help you with Health and Safety in your practice- reach out to info@ipacconsulting.com  

Tarek Hafez BASc