OSHA Inspection: SILVER CROSS HOSPITAL

Issued

Jun 3, 1991

Abate by

Jul 5, 1991

Penalty

Initial $3,750 · Current $3,750

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:
The hazards of being infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or human
immune deficiency virus (HIV) through possible direct contact with
blood or other body fluids. Employees potentially exposed include,
but are not limited to, nurses, housekeepers and maintenance workers.
Feasible abatement methods for reducing this hazard include, but are not
limited to:
1) Providing sufficient training to employees in the utilization of
universal precautions as described in the CDC guidelines for
protection against HIV and HBV. Training should provide employees
information necessary to determine when appropriate universal
precautions shall be followed.
2) Providing sufficient training to nurses potentially exposed to HBV
and or HIV when transporting and laundering their own scrubs
(surgical gowns) and to housekeepers when removing soiled linens or
waste and when picking up soiled gauze and sharps potentially
contaminated with blood or other body fluids. The training shall be
repeated on an as needed basis.
3) Employees shall be instructed that objects such as blood soaked
clothing, mops, rags, large bandages, and needles that are
contaminated with potentially infectious material shall be placed in
an impervious bag that is tagged as a biohazard or has a similar
designation and not mixed with non-infectious waste or linens.
4) Employees shall be informed that after removing gloves, hands or
other skin surfaces shall be washed thoroughly and immediately after
contact with body fluids.
5) Implementation of a policy regarding Human Immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) immunization and hepatitis B (HBV) vaccinations follow-up
procedures to address all circumstances warranting such vaccinations.
Identify employees at a substantial risk of directly contacting body
fluids. All such employees shall be offered hepatitis B vacciantions
free of charge in amounts and at times prescribed by standard medical
practices.

Issued

Jun 3, 1991

Abate by

Jun 20, 1991

Penalty

Initial $3,750 · Current $3,750

Issued

Jun 3, 1991

Abate by

Jun 20, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $1,125