OSHA Inspection: GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP. DBA MASS. GENERAL HOSPITAL

Issued

Mar 22, 1991

Abate by

Apr 8, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

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 injuries resulting in death from falling into the
multiple story soiled linen chute, by placing their body into the chute
to clear linen bags that have become caught.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to develop a written procedure addressing the
safe way to clear linen bags that have become caught in the soiled
linen chutes.
1) Conduct a job hazard analysis.
2) Develop a procedure outlining the steps to be followed and identify
safe handling methods.
3) Select hand tools that will not create additional hazards.
a) The employer did not ensure that employees who were required to
place laundry bags into the multi story linen chute system and to
clear bags restricting flow, were instructed not to place any part
of their bodies into the chute.

Issued

Mar 22, 1991

Abate by

May 9, 1991

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

Issued

Mar 22, 1991

Abate by

Apr 29, 1991

Penalty

Initial $800 · Current $800

Issued

Mar 22, 1991

Abate by

Mar 25, 1991

Issued

Mar 22, 1991

Abate by

Mar 25, 1991