OSHA Inspection: O.U.R. HOMES

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 21, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,250 · Current $1,250

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 with HIV/HBV or other blood-
borne pathogens through possible contact with blood or other potential-
ly infectious body fluids in that:
a)   Housekeeping employees, who are required to clean mental
health care facility residents' living quarters, are poten-
tially exposed to the hazard of being infected with HIV/HBV
or other bloodborne pathogens and are not offered Hepatitis B
vaccinations.
b)   There were no provisions for offering HBV vaccinations
following exposure incidents to charge supervisors, who
may be required to provide first aid to residents and who
are potentially exposed to the hazard of being infected
with HIV/HBV or other bloodborne pathogens.
c)   Housekeeping employees, who are required to clean mental
health care facility residents' living quarters, are poten-
tially exposed to the hazard of being infected with HIV/HBV
or other bloodborne pathogens and are not provided with
provisions for a post-exposure evaluation and follow-up in
the event of an exposure incident.
d)   Charge supervisors, who may be required to provide first
aid to residents, are potentially exposed to the hazard
of being infected with HIV/HBV or other bloodborne pathogens
and are not provided with provisions for a post-exposure
evaluation and follow-up in the event of an exposure
incident.
e)   Housekeeping employees, who are required to clean mental
health care facility residents' living quarters, are poten-
tially exposed to the hazard of being infected with HIV/HBV
or other bloodborne pathogens and are not provided with
training on bloodborne pathogens including the application
of universal precautions.
f)   Charge supervisors, who may be expected to administer first
aid to residents, are potentially exposed to the hazard of
being infected with HIV/HBV or other bloodborne pathogens and
are not provided with adequate training on bloodborne patho-
gens, such as information on epidemiology and symptoms of
bloodborne diseases and an explanation of the modes of
transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct these hazards is:
The method listed below pertains to instances a & b.
The Hepatitis B vaccination shall be provided in accordance with
29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2) which went into  effect on July 6, 1992.
The vaccination shall be made available after the employee has
received training on the efficacy, safety, method of administra-
tion and the benefits of being vaccinated. The vaccination shall
be made available within 10 working days of initial assignment to
all employees who have occupational exposure unless the employee
has previously received the HBV vaccination series, antibody
testing has revealed that the employee is immune, or the vaccine
is contra-indicated for medical reasons. The vaccination shall be
provided free of charge in the amounts and at times as prescribed
by standard medical practices.
The method  listed below pertain to instances c & d.
Implementation of provisions for providing employees with post-
exposure evaluations and follow-ups. Following a report of an
exposure incident, the employer shall make immediately available
to the exposed employee a confidental medical evaluation and
follow-up as required by 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3) which went into
effect on July 6, 1992.
The methods listed below pertain to instances e & f.
1) To ensure that all employees with occupational exposure to
blood and potentially infectious body fluids participate in a
training program as required by 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2) which went
into effect on June 4, 1992.
2) Training shall be provided upon initial assignment to tasks
where occupational exposure may take place, at least annually and
when changes in procedures or tasks occur.
3) Material appropriate in content and vocabulary to educational
level, literacy and language of employees shall be used.
4) Training shall include:
a) A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms
of bloodborne diseases;
b) An explanation of the modes of transmission of bloodborne
pathogens;
c) An accessible copy of the regulatory text of the 29 CFR
1910.1030 standard and an explanation of its contents;
d) An explanation of the employer's exposure control plan
and the means by which the employees can obtain a copy of
the written plan;
e) An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing
tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood
and other potentialy infectious materials;
f) An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that
will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate
engineering controls, work practices and personal protective
equipment;
g) Information on the types, proper use, location, removal,
handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective
equipment;
h) An explanation of the basis for selection of personal
protective equipment;
i) Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including informa-
tion on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the
benefits of being vaccinated and that the vaccine and vac-
cination will be offered free of charge;
j) Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons
to contact in an emergency involving blood or other poten-
tially infectious materials;
k) An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure
incident occurs, including the method of reporting the
incident and the medical follow-up that will be made
available;
l) Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
that the employer is required to provide for the employee
following an exposure incident;
m) An explanation of the signs,  labels and/or color coding
required by paragraph (g)(1) of the standard 1910.1030;
n) An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with
the person conducting the training session;
5) Training shall be conducted by a person who is knowledgeable in
the subject matter covered by the elements contained in the
training program as it relates to the workplace that the
training will address.

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Aug 28, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,250

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 21, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,250 · Current $1,250

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 21, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,250 · Current $1,250

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 21, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $750

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 1, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 1, 1992

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 21, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Sep 21, 1992

Penalty

Initial $750

Issued

Aug 19, 1992

Abate by

Aug 24, 1992

Penalty

Initial $500 · Current $250 Reduced