OSHA Inspection: CAPITAL CARE CENTER

Issued

Sep 18, 1991

Abate by

Oct 21, 1991

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8880

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
Hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency  virus  and  other  bloodborne
pathogens:
(a)  Employees who were offered and had consented to  receive
the Hepatitis B virus vaccine series free-of-charge were
not given the vaccine series as of July 30, 1991.
(b)  All healthcare workers employed as of  May 20, 1991  had
not received training on bloodborne pathogens to  inform
them about the epidemiology, the modes of  transmission,
and  the  prevention  of  Hepatitis  B  virus  and human
immunodeficiency virus, as well as  protective  measures
to be taken to prevent exposure.
Among other methods, one feasible and  acceptable  abatement  method  to
correct this hazard is:
(1)  Begin administration of the Hepatitis  B  virus  vaccine
series to those employees who have consented to  receive
the  series.   Vaccine administration should follow cur-
rent  and  accepted  medical  practice  specific  to the
immunization guidelines of the vaccine manufacturer.
(2)  Ensure that all exposed and potentially exposed  health-
care employees are adequately trained  about  bloodborne
pathogens prior to working in patient care areas.