The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has ordered Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center to implement a workplace violence prevention program immediately, according to an article on the EHS Today website.
Employees of Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., were exposed to head, eye, face and groin injuries and intimidation and threats during routine interactions with patients and visitors, OSHA said.
The most serious incident was the Feb.7 assault of a nurse, who sustained severe brain injuries when she was attacked while working.
The medical center faces $78,000 in fines for failing to protect its employees against workplace violence.
According to OSHA, elements of an effective workplace violence prevention program could include:
• Engineering controls, including installing panic alarm systems and protective barriers, and configuring treatment areas to maximize an employee’s ability to escape workplace violence.
• Personal protective equipment, including personal alarm systems for staff and an appropriate system for contacting security/correctional officers.
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