OSHA Inspection: SOUTH PARK, INC.

Issued

2012-07-10 00:00:00

Abate by

2012-07-31 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $3500.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 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 that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of violent behaviors and being physically assaulted by participants with known histories of violence or the potential for violence, causing serious injuries to the employees working in a residential habilitation home:      a) On or about January 11, 2012 and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to incidents of violent attacks by participants that have resulted in injuries that include deep penetrating bite wounds, ripping hair out, abrasions, contusions, sprains and strains to the neck, shoulders, back, hands and wrists.  Employees were exposed to the hazard of physical assaults during routine interaction(s) with the participant(s).  The employer 1) did not conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify items that have the potential to cause death or serious physical harm to employees working in the residential habilitation facilities, and 2) has not developed and implemented adequate measures to protect the employees working in the residential habilitation facilities.         Note) Abatement documentation and certification ARE required for this item.     Note) Feasible and acceptable abatement for this item may include, but are not limited to;     1) Create a stand-alone written Workplace Violence Prevention Program for all the service programs which include the following elements:  	A Workplace Violence Policy Statement including responsibilities of all staff and a policy of zero tolerance for workplace violence;  	Hazard/Threat/Security assessment including records review, inspection of the worksite, and employee survey; Assessment should include identifying hazardous equipment or items that may be used as weapons.  Develop policies and procedures to effectively secure the hazardous items when not in use.  Review the hazard assessment annually.  	Implementation of workplace controls and prevention strategies, including admissions and discharge procedures that maximize safety and minimize the likelihood of assaultive behavior;  	Training and education of all staff with a focus on the specifics of the Developmental Options program;   	Incident reporting and investigation;   	A system for reporting safety concerns internally;   	Periodic review of the program.     2) Develop and implement procedures to ensure that each affected community support trainer/employee is notified of a participant(s) past and current behaviors.  These procedures would facilitate a cross flow of correct information on incidents and behaviors and would solicit input for a course of action and positive solution.    3) Develop and implement administrative controls for community support trainers/employees when working with the participants in order to minimize grabbing and pulling of the free-flowing hair and clothing.  These controls may include, but are not limited to having the hair pulled up tight to the scalp and/or covered, and wearing clothing that will stretch away from the body when grabbed, pulled or twisted.   4) Given that the baby gates that Developmental Options installed to limit the movement of the violent client were ineffective, Developmental Options should consider more effective measures, such as permanent half doors (where necessary) with features including but not limited to, child proof knobs/handles, and automatic closure devices.     5) Ensure that training is sufficient to make all employees aware of the company workplace violence policy, and how that written policy can be accessed.  Training should also include, but not be limited to:  (1) instructing all employees to state clearly to participants and employees that violence is not permitted or tolerated; (2) training all employees on effective methods for responding during a workplace violence incident; (3) training all employees on recognizing participants or others who are exhibiting aggressive behavior, and on techniques for timely de-escalating the behavior; (4) instructing all employees about risk factors that cause or contribute to assaultive behaviors.  Training should be conducted at orientation and annually as refresher training.  6) Implement and maintain (1) a buddy system as appropriate based upon a complete hazard assessment and (2) a procedure for staff to request and obtain double coverage when necessary.   7) Provide staff with a reliable way to rapidly summon assistance when needed, such as an electronic alarm and/or walkie-talkies.  In addition, ensure all community support trainers/employees know how to use the communication equipment provided.