OSHA releases inspection guidance for healthcare settings [US]

A memorandum from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was released on June 25, 2015. The memorandum was sent to its regional administrators and state designees providing inspectors with guidance when auditing healthcare facilities.

What is covering the National Emphasis Program ?

OSHA inspections at healthcare facilities will address the focus hazards included in the National Emphasis Program – Nursing and Residential Care Facilities, CPL 03-00-016 (NH-NEP). These focus hazards include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders related to patient or resident handling;
• Workplace violence;
• Bloodborne pathogens;
• Tuberculosis; and
• Slips, trips and falls.

OSHA inspectors will also address any other workplace hazards that are present during the inspection. The guidance will apply to all federal OSHA inspections of facilities in NAICS Major Groups  (hospitals) and 623XXX (nursing and residential care facilities). State plan states are expected to follow the memorandum’s guidance as well.

Red-on-line EHS Legal Specialist

Sources:

OSHA, Memorandum for Regional Administrators and State Designees, Inspection Guidance for Inpatient Healthcare Settings, June 25, 2015