OSHA Inspection: EXEMPLA LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER

Issued

Mar 21, 2008

Abate by

May 7, 2008

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $1,875

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 was free from
recognized hazards
which were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in
that employees
were exposed to the hazard of being infected with Mycobacterium
tuberculosis through
contact with a patient suspected of having the disease:
a)On or about March 2, 2008, and at times prior, employees who were
responsible for
the care of a patient suspected of having Mycobacterium tuberculosis did
not have adequate
training in the specific measures to reduce the risk of infection with TB
disease, including the
operation and testing of the negative pressure room in which the patient
was located.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazardous condition is to establish a training program with specific steps
addressing the
operation of the negative pressure rooms and ensure that employees can
demonstrate
competency prior to the use of the room with a patient who is suspected of
being infected
with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see
enclosed "Sample
Abatement-Certification Letter").

Issued

Mar 21, 2008

Abate by

Sep 7, 2008

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $4,500

Issued

Mar 21, 2008

Abate by

Sep 7, 2008