Violence at healthcare facilities a concern

• OSHA is targeting violence in healthcare sites and could consider a new workplace standard to help combat the problem.
• Violence against healthcare workers increased by more than 60% from 2011 to 2018, According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Potential rulemaking from OSHA could provide additional guidance for healthcare employers on how to address workplace violence, but will likely also create additional compliance requirements for healthcare employers.
• Healthcare employers still should review their workplace safety policies.
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NIOSH to get help with mine safety researcg

• The CDC has acquired a site in Mace, West Virginia, and will soon develop the new National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health  Underground Mine Safety and Health Research Program facility.
• The facility will support research programs focused on miner safety and health issues.
• Funding for the project was acquired through the 2023 omnibus appropriations package.
• The total federal investment to construct the facility is estimated at approximately $94 million and, once fully operational, the site will have 12 full-time federal employees.
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Inspector General alleges OSHA did not investigate complaints

• OSHA did not consistently ensure that complaints and referrals were adequately addressed, nor did the agency regularly enforce hazard abatement timelines, according to an Inspector General audit.
• The report found that of 100 sampled cases, 76 of the investigations opened and closed in that time were initiated from a complaint, and 70 resulted in an inspection.
• OSHA allegedly failed to show clear reasoning as to why it did not conduct an inspection for 11 of the other 30 sampled cases where a complaint or referral met its criteria for conducting one.
• The agency also did not regularly ensure that safety and health violations from complaints and referrals were corrected in a timely manner, according to an audit.
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An increase in penalties?

• OSHA issued a new standard to make its penalties more effective in stopping employers from repeatedly exposing workers to life-threatening hazards or failing to comply with certain workplace safety and health requirements.
• The agency issued two new pieces of enforcement guidance that could increase employers’ OSHA liability.
• Employers are therefore well-advised to spend some time addressing workplace safety hazards and mitigating their OSHA risks now before the agency opens a formal investigation.
• The new guidance will take effect on March 27, 2023.
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