OSHA healthcare inspections to target common injury causes

The agency is expanding its use of enforcement resources in hospitals and nursing homes


The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expanding its use of enforcement resources in hospitals and nursing homes to focus on: musculoskeletal disorders related to patient or resident handling; bloodborne pathogens; workplace violence; tuberculosis and slips, trips and falls, according to an article on the Medical Construction & Design.

U.S. hospitals recorded 6.4 work-related injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time employees: almost twice as high as the overall rate for private industry.

“There are feasible solutions for preventing these hazards and now is the time for employers to implement them,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. 

OSHA has advised its staff that all inspections of hospitals and nursing home facilities, including those prompted by complaints, referrals or severe injury reports, should include the review of potential hazards involving patient handling; bloodborne pathogens; workplace violence; tuberculosis and slips, trips and falls.

Read the article.

 

 



July 7, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Designing for Distraction: Benefits for Children, Families

Designers who can incorporate distractions into pediatric healthcare facilities can help children and families successfully navigate healthcare journeys.


Staffing and Consolidation Reshape Outpatient Facility Strategies

Labor shortages and health system consolidation are driving new approaches to outpatient facility planning.


Adams Health Network Falls Victim to Phishing Attack

Adams Health Network does not have any evidence that the attacker was seeking patient information.


Ventilation and Filtering for Infection ControlĀ 

Poor IAQ can be deadly in healthcare facilities, so maintaining proper air conditioning and filter systems is key in controlling the spread of infection.


ChristianaCare Opens Aston Campus Neighborhood Hospital

The hospital is expected to care for approximately 15,000 patients each year.


 
 


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.