Hospital fined after ES workers injured by improperly discarded needles

At least three custodial employees over the past three years have been stuck by needles while emptying the hospital’s collection box


Kaiser Foundation Hospitals in Vallejo, Calif., was cited by Cal/OSHA for safety violations after environmental services workers after stabbed by discarded needles on multiple occasions, according to an article on the Healthcare Finance News website.

The hospital was fined $149,900 and has since put safeguards in place.

At least three custodial employees have been stuck by needles while emptying the hospital's collection box for biomedical waste.

The box was reportedly prone to overflowing, preventing the lid from closing properly.

 

Read the article.

 

 



December 23, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Hospitals as Energy Microgrids: Ensuring Power Grid Independence

Resilient hospitals could become energy microgrids that generate, store and managing electricity while remaining connected to the wider grid.


Baystate Health Integrates Baystate Mercy Hospital into System

Over the past seven months, Baystate Health has been preparing to integrate Baystate Mercy Hospital and its affiliated clinics.


HCA Healthcare Reports Cybersecurity Incident

The organization identified suspicious activity on Aug. 12, 2026, and took steps to secure the affected systems.


How Retail Design Can Improve the Healthcare Patient Experience

Healthcare facilities can adapt retail design principles to improve patient comfort, streamline check-in and reuse existing spaces.


Jefferson Health Breaks Ground on Lehigh Valley Hospital—Coopersburg

It is expected to open in late 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.