The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration
recently announced that the agency is expanding its use of enforcement resources in hospitals
and nursing homes. The expansion of resources will focus on: musculoskeletal disorders related
to patient or resident handling; bloodborne pathogens; workplace violence; tuberculosis; and
slips, trips, and falls. These are some of the most common areas of workplace injuries and illness
in the healthcare industry, which is why they are being targeted. U.S. hospitals had 6.4 work-
related injuries and illness for every 100 full-time employees, which is almost twice as high as
the overall rate for private industry. This has been the impetus for this focus.
“Workers who take care of us when we are sick or hurt should not be at such high risk for
injuries — that simply is not right. Workers in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care
facilities have work injury and illness rates that are among the highest in the country, and
virtually all of these injuries and illnesses are preventable,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant
secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “OSHA has provided employers with
education, training and resource materials, and it’s time for hospitals and the health care industry
to make the changes necessary to protect their workers.”
If you are in the healthcare industry, it is important to take note of this focus and understand how
it could impact your business; you do not want to be on the receiving end of an audit from
OSHA. So if you have not recently reviewed your occupational safety and health policies and
procedures, it is important to do so.
If you are in the healthcare industry and are unsure of how this new emphasis impacts you or if
you need help in updating your policies and procedures, please contact us. If you have anything
to add about the importance of updating occupational safety and health policies and procedures
for companies in healthcare, please leave a comment.
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