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.
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