According to OSHA regulations, what is the most effective way to comply with Universal Precautions?

The most effective way to comply with Universal Precautions, according to OSHA regulations, is to wash your hands. Handwashing is a fundamental practice that significantly reduces the risk of infection and the transmission of pathogens. By properly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, healthcare workers can eliminate a wide range of microorganisms that could cause disease.

While wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, or masks is important in certain situations to protect against specific hazards, these measures are secondary to the primary line of defense, which is hand hygiene. Handwashing should be routine, especially before and after patient interactions, after removing gloves, and after any potential contamination, making it a critical component of Universal Precautions in maintaining safety in healthcare settings.