The purpose of this document is to provide dental therapists and assistants, as well as their employers, with guidelines of best practice in occupational safety and health. Occupational overuse syndrome in dental therapy was recognised as a workplace injury in the early 1990s. These guidelines will assist employers and employees in the future.

Published by the Auckland Regional Dental Service, Waitemata District Health Board, PO Box 28084, Auckland 5 (Published in association with the Department of Labour)

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
STATEMENT OF INTENT
1. HAZARD MANAGEMENT
1.1 Hazards in the Dental Workplace
1.1.1 Biological Hazards
1.1.2 Chemical Hazards
1.1.3 Physical Hazards
1.1.4 Environmental Hazards
1.1.5 Ergonomic Hazards
1.1.6 Psycho-Social Hazards
2. EMERGENCIES
3. ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION
4. TRAINING AND EDUCATION
APPENDICES
1. Summary of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
2. Blood and Body Fluid Accident Protocol