OSHA Inspection: VALLEY CARE CENTER

Issued

Nov 16, 1992

Abate by

Mar 31, 1993

Penalty

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

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:
(a)  Nurses and nurses aids  were exposed to hazards such as
lifting, bending and  turning  while  assisting  and/or
transferring   residents,   that   were  causing
biomechanical
(musculoskeletal)    injuries.     Nurses
routinely lift, turn, and assist patients  unaided  and
without mechanical lifting devices.
General abatement methods applicable to these circumstances include, but
are not limited to, the following additional steps to be included in the
facility's back injury prevention programs:
(1)  Provide mandatory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
to prevent  back  injuries  while  physically  handling
patients, including provisions for enforcement of those
SOP's.  The use of mechanical lifting/transferring
devices
such  as  hoyers  must  be  emphasized  in  such
standard operating procedures.
(2)  Evaluate the back injury reports to monitor  rates  and
causes, and take corrective action when required.
(3)  Provide effective training on a frequent basis for
prevention
of back injuries.  Training may  include  hands
on practice with simulated conditions.
(4)  Provide a fitness and/or  wellness  program  for  those
employees at risk for back injuries.

Issued

Nov 16, 1992

Abate by

Dec 31, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,125 · Current $500 Reduced