Should an accident occur, you must report it immediately.
Familiarize yourself with the correct reporting procedures for your lab. Also report any unsafe work conditions you might observe. Remember: take what immediate corrective action you can prior to leaving to report the unsafe condition.
The best way for you to be sure that you know everything you need to know in order to do your job safely is to examine your lab's policies covering safe work procedures. However, there are many other sources for information on safety in the lab. Of special importance are the requirements established by OSHA (particularly those dealing with hazardous chemicals). OSHA requires every lab to have a chemical hygiene plan and an officer responsible for adherence to OSHA standards.
Procedures for handling hazardous chemicals or use of protective equipment and disposal methods are among the many topics covered by OSHA standards. Make yourself thoroughly familiar with these requirements and know the details of your lab's chemical hygiene plan. Other resources available to you provide information that can help you handle any task in the lab safely. Your supervisor can tell you where to find OSHA requirements and other lab safety information.
A safe hospital lab is the responsibility of all who work there. It takes teamwork. If each of employee does his or her part, everyone will always have the safest, healthiest work environment possible.