Common OSHA Violations in Healthcare Facilities
The healthcare industry employs 14.5 million workers in ambulatory care services (such as doctors’ offices and clinics), hospitals, and nursing/residential care facilities. Common hazards in healthcare include patient lifting, slips and trips, workplace violence, chemical or biological exposure, and exposure to dangerous equipment. Nonmedical workers in healthcare exposed to hazards include those in maintenance, housekeeping, food service, and laundry.
The top 5 causes of injury among hospital workers are:
OSHA regulates healthcare facilities through rules covering air contaminants, bloodborne pathogens, electrical safety, fire protection, hazard communication, ionizing and nonionizing radiation, laboratory chemical exposure, respiratory protection, walking and working surfaces, and others. OSHA can also cite employers under the general duty clause if a hazard (such as overexertion) exists for which there is no specific OSHA rule.