Important Facts About Injury and Illness In The Healthcare and Social Assistance Industry

In 2010, (latest available report) the healthcare and social assistance industry reported more injury and illness cases than any other private sector industry.  In fact, more workers are injured in the healthcare and social assistance industry sector than in any other sector.  The top 3 findings were blood-borne pathogen, hazard communication (electrical) and forms (electrical).  It's a misconception when everyone believes the “The Joint Commission” (TJC) covers OSHA requirements.  The Joint Commission standards do reference some OSHA requirements, however the TJC is mainly focused on patient safety, not employee safety, and that’s okay because OSHA requirements are not TJC’s job.

OSHA is using some blunt language in characterizing healthcare as very poor in Safety Performance.  During these economic times and Federal budget cuts , OSHA is stepping up their enforcement program by increased inspections and that translates to higher fines and that could lead to increased insurance  rates. Serious violations can go up to $7,000.00 per violation. While willful violations (Knowingly committed) have minimum of $5,000.00 and go up to $70,000.00 or even higher with multiple violations.

We here at PCI can assist clients with two (2) of the top violations.  We are Electrical Safety Engineers and our staff is available for consultation on this subject.  Our priority is assisting clients and working towards an incident free work environment.  It’s not just implementing the correct procedures and performing the required engineering services such as Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis, it’s behavioral modification as well.

https://www.osha.gov/