OSHA Cites Oregon VA Facility for Infection Control and Other Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a notice of unsafe and unhealthful working conditions to an Oregon state U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility, states a January 14, 2014, OSHA news release. According to the news release, 17 violations were found at the facility during inspections that were part of a Local Emphasis Program. OSHA officials identified 10 serious violations, including a lack of adequate controls for infectious disease; an inadequate exposure control plan, which potentially exposed transitional work employees to bloodborne pathogens; a lack of access to rapid HIV tests after occupational exposures; improperly stored sharps containers and flammable materials; and negligence in maintaining facilities. In addition, officials identified five repeat safety violations: the site had not reviewed or updated its annual bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan to determine if safer medical devices could have replaced existing devices not equipped with inherent safety features; employees were found administering treatments without the appropriate personal protection equipment; the facility did not provide sufficient training in the use of powered industrial trucks; steam lines did not have adequate protective barriers; and saw blades were left unguarded.