OSHA Inspectors to Assess “Focus Hazards” Regardless of Reason for Inspection

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that it will be expanding its use of enforcement resources in hospitals and nursing homes to focus on specific workplace injuries that contribute to the healthcare industry's overall higher rate of injury when compared with other sectors, states a June 25, 2015, OSHA news release. According to the news release, OSHA has advised its staff through a June 25, 2015, memorandum that all inspections of hospitals and nursing home facilities, whether programmed or unprogrammed and regardless of what prompted the inspection, will cover the focus hazards established in the recently concluded National Emphasis Program - Nursing and Residential Care Facilities, including a review of potential hazards involving musculoskeletal disorders related to patient handling, workplace violence, bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis, and slips, trips, and falls.