The healthcare sector is no stranger to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) oversight. With OSHA’s updates for 2025, healthcare professionals must be more vigilant than ever. The stakes are high—not just in terms of financial penalties but also in maintaining safe, compliant workplaces for employees and patients.

A significant shift in workplace dynamics is also influencing the frequency of audits. The mental health of the healthcare workforce is under strain, leading to heightened risks, more complaints, and increased non-compliance. In this blog, we’ll examine why OSHA audits are triggered, detail common violations, explain the financial and operational costs, and provide actionable steps to help you stay compliant.

Why Are OSHA Audits Triggered in Healthcare?

OSHA audits in healthcare are often initiated due to a combination of specific events, patterns, and industry pressures that highlight the need for compliance and safety. As the healthcare sector faces unprecedented challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing mental health crisis among workers, the likelihood of audits has increased. Common triggers for these audits include employee complaints regarding unsafe working conditions, workplace incidents that result in injuries or illnesses, and random inspections targeting high-risk facilities. With the growing focus on regulatory compliance, healthcare organizations must understand these triggers to proactively address potential issues before they escalate into violations. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the specific factors that prompt OSHA audits, shedding light on the critical areas that healthcare leaders should monitor to safeguard both their employees and their organizations.

1. Employee Complaints. Employee complaints remain one of the top reasons for OSHA audits. The mental health crisis among healthcare workers—fueled by burnout, stress, and understaffing—has escalated in recent years. Disengaged or overwhelmed employees are more likely to notice (and report) unsafe working conditions. These complaints often involve:

• • Lack of mental health resources or support systems.
  • Perceived neglect of safety protocols.
  • Inadequate training on hazard prevention.

Complaints are frequently linked to core OSHA areas, such as bloodborne pathogens, respiratory hazards, and hazard communication failures.

2. Workplace Incidents. Workplace incidents, such as employee injuries, illnesses, or fatalities, are another frequent trigger for audits. For healthcare workers, these incidents often stem from unsafe handling of hazardous materials, lack of PPE, or accidents caused by fatigue and mental exhaustion.

3. Random Inspections and Industry Patterns. As a high-risk industry, healthcare facilities are often subject to random OSHA inspections. Additionally, if industry-wide trends—such as rising bloodborne pathogen exposures—emerge, OSHA focuses its attention on similar facilities to ensure compliance.

Common Findings During OSHA Audits

OSHA audits in healthcare consistently uncover similar violations. These findings highlight critical areas where safety policies fall short and employees are put at risk. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common issues:

1. Bloodborne Pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are a major concern in healthcare, and violations related to this area are frequent. Common issues include:

• • Failure to Train Employees: OSHA often cites healthcare facilities for inadequate training on the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which ensures employees know how to handle exposure risks.
  • Lack of Exposure Control Plans: Facilities must have a comprehensive plan to minimize exposure risks to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Failure to implement or maintain this plan is a common violation.
  • Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Not providing or ensuring the proper use of PPE, such as gloves, gowns, or eye protection, leads to significant risks.

2. Respiratory Protection. Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to airborne hazards, and non-compliance with respiratory protection standards is a recurring issue. Key violations include:

• • Failure to Assess Respiratory Hazards: Employers must identify airborne risks, such as infectious particles or hazardous chemicals, and implement controls.
  • Inadequate Respirator Programs: Failing to provide, train employees on, or ensure the proper use of respirators violates OSHA’s respiratory protection standards.
  • Non-compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.134: This standard outlines requirements for respirator selection, fit testing, and training.

3. Hazard Communication. Hazard communication failures are another common finding. OSHA mandates that employees understand the risks associated with hazardous chemicals, but violations often include:

• • Failure to Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs): Employees must have access to detailed SDSs for all chemicals they handle.
  • Inadequate Hazard Communication Plans: Healthcare facilities need clear plans to inform employees about chemical hazards and protection measures.
  • Insufficient Employee Training: Employees must be trained on properly handling, storing, and responding to chemical hazards.

4. Other Common Issues. Healthcare facilities often face other safety challenges, including:

• • Workplace Violence: Healthcare workers are at risk of violence from patients, visitors, or colleagues. Employers must implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
  • Ergonomic Hazards: Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and awkward postures can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. OSHA requires facilities to assess and address these risks.
  • Chemical and Drug Exposures: Exposure to hazardous drugs or chemicals must be minimized through safe handling and storage practices.
  • Waste Anesthetic Gas Exposure: Employees exposed to waste anesthetic gases must be protected with proper ventilation and monitoring.
  • Laser Hazards: Facilities using lasers must implement safety measures to prevent employee injuries.
  • Laboratory Hazards: Labs pose unique risks, including exposure to infectious materials and chemicals, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.

The Role of Mental Health in OSHA Audits

The mental health crisis among healthcare workers is exacerbating compliance challenges. Burnout and emotional exhaustion can impact attention to detail, leading to errors in safety practices. High turnover rates disrupt training programs, creating gaps in hazard awareness. Additionally, stressed employees are more likely to file complaints with OSHA, increasing the likelihood of an audit.Neglecting workforce mental health is no longer just a wellness issue—it directly impacts safety, compliance, and financial outcomes.

Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)

Once OSHA identifies violations, healthcare facilities must submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). A well-executed CAP demonstrates your commitment to resolving safety issues and preventing future violations.

Key Components of a CAP:

• A detailed resolution plan addressing each violation.
• Employee training documentation to show compliance improvements.
• A clear timeline for implementing corrective actions.
• Long-term preventative measures to minimize future risks.

Fines and Overall Costs

OSHA penalties for serious violations in 2025 range from $15,000 to $50,000 per infraction, with higher fines for repeat offenders. Beyond direct fines, the indirect costs of non-compliance—such as lost productivity, employee turnover, and reputational damage—can have long-term financial impacts.

Precautionary Steps to Avoid OSHA Audits

1. Conduct Regular Internal Audits. Regularly review your facility’s compliance with OSHA standards, focusing on areas like bloodborne pathogens, respiratory hazards, and hazard communication.

2. Invest in Employee Training. Offer ongoing training for employees on OSHA standards, particularly in high-risk areas like PPE usage, hazard communication, and workplace violence prevention.

3. Update Safety Policies. Ensure your safety policies are up-to-date with the latest OSHA standards and that employees are familiar with them.

4. Partner with EPI Compliance. EPI Compliance simplifies OSHA compliance with tools for training, policy management, and real-time monitoring. Their platform helps healthcare facilities stay audit-ready while supporting employee safety.

Why Take Action Now?

Healthcare organizations cannot afford to neglect OSHA compliance or employee mental health in 2025. Proactive measures protect your workforce, prevent financial losses, and promote a culture of safety. Don’t wait for an OSHA audit—take action now.