OSHA inspections to focus on certain health care workplace hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration yesterday advised its staff to review potential hazards for musculoskeletal disorders related to patient and resident handling, bloodborne pathogens, workplace violence, tuberculosis and falls when inspecting hospitals and nursing homes in response to complaints, referrals or reports of severe injury. “These focus hazards will be addressed in addition to other hazards that may be the subject of the inspection or brought to the attention of the compliance officer during the inspection,” the guidance states. “The goal of this policy is to significantly reduce overexposures to these hazards through a combination of enforcement, compliance assistance and outreach.”