OSHA Inspection: ELMS HAVEN NURSING HOME

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

Jun 24, 1991

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $420

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were
free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to:
a) Health care workers such as registered nurses, certified nurse
assistants, licensed practical nurses, laundry workers, housekeepers
and other employees were exposed to the hazard of being infected by
HBV and/or HIV through possible contact with blood or body fluids;
Training for high risk health care workers was inadequate in that
employees had no knowledge of procedures to be used when exposed to a
needle stick or body fluids; methods to be followed when laundering
and handling linens which were contaminated with blood and/or body
fluids; the location and availability of red bags or other materials
used to handle designated waste; and procedures to be followed in the
event of a spill.
b) Appropriate followup procedures after a possible exposure to HIV/HBV
were neither developed nor implemented.
Abatement Methods: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable
methods to correct the hazard is to implement a comprehensive written
infection control program. Essential elements of the program include,
but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
1) Provide training and education and the Universal Precation system.
This training would be based on the fact all residents would be
treated as infectious meaning all employees would be mandated to use
personal protective equipment for all procedures where potential
exposure to blodd and/or body fluids would occur.
2) Provide a policy that addresses all circumstances warranting
Hepatitis B vaccinations and identify employees at substantial risk
of direct contact with body fluids. Offer employee Hepatitis B
vaccinations in amounts and at times prescribed by standard medical
practice.
3) Follow CDC Guidelines, "Recommendations for Prevention of HIV
Transmission in Health Care Setting"; Management of exposures for
follow-up procedures after possible exposure to HIV. Follow the CDC
Immunization Practices Advisory Committee Recommendations regarding
HBV post exposure prophylaxis in the June 4, 1985 Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report.
4) Provide training and education on precautionary measure, epidemiology
modes of transmission and prevention of HIV/HBV. Provide counseling
regarding possible risks of transmission to the fetus of HIV/HBV and
other infectious agents.
5) Training and education will also include providing information on
personal protective equipment, color coding, handling of infectious
waste and soiled linens, spill procedures and procedures after
exposure.

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

May 28, 1991

Penalty

Initial $420 · Current $420

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

May 28, 1991

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

May 28, 1991

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

May 28, 1991

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

Jun 24, 1991

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

Apr 30, 1991

Issued

Apr 25, 1991

Abate by

Apr 26, 1991