OSHA Inspection: A HELPING HEART, INC.

Issued

Oct 16, 2014

Abate by

Jun 7, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $2,400 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 employees were exposed to the hazard of violent behaviors and being physically assaulted by residents with known histories of behavioral disorders or the potential for violence, causing serious injuries to the employees working in a residential care facility:              On or about April 18, 2014, at 1723 Aurora Street, Middleton, Wisconsin, the employer operated a care facility for individuals with aggressive behavioral disorders.  Employees are exposed to workplace violence hazards that are likely to cause death and/or physical harm. The employer did not develop and/or implement adequate measures to protect its employees from physical assaults such as, but not limited to, being bitten, kicked, punched and struck by thrown objects.      Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to abate the hazard of workplace violence at A Helping Heart, Inc., include:       1.      Review, update and implement the existing workplace violence policy/program. The Program should include but not be limited to the following components:      a.       A revised Workplace Violence Prevention Policy which sets forth responsibilities for all staff;      b.      A system for conducting hazard/threat/security assessments on a regular basis, including prioritizing programs that may be at high risk of potential workplace violence incidents arising out of residents? behavior;      c.       A process to implement appropriate engineering, work practice and administrative controls and prevention strategies resulting from assessments that maximize safety and minimize the likelihood of assaultive behavior on staff;      d.      A system for reporting safety concerns internally;      e.       Training and education of staff on the Program;       f.       A defined process for incident reporting and investigation; and      g.      An annual review of the Program.      2.      Ensure staff involvement in and solicit input from staff on appropriate aspects of the Program.      3.      Conduct training for all employees prior to employees being assigned to work, as well as annual refresher training on:           a. The workplace violence policy, including procedures for reporting threats or incidents of workplace violence and a clear and unequivocal policy of non-retaliation for reporting threats or incidents of workplace violence; Ensure managers are trained in methods and expectations relative to the proper consideration and handling of employee concerns related to safety and workplace violence, including training in the policy of non-retaliation.         b. Methods for responding to residents exhibiting threatening or assaultive behavior, including training on known Individual behavior or risks.  Provide additional training as necessary, should such behavior or risk change over time.      4.   Develop and implement a system for reporting all injuries, regardless of severity.       5.      Require a written investigation for all workplace violence incidents and share findings with all affected employees.       6.      Track and trend all aggressive behavior and monitor residents for aggressive patterns. Use the trending to develop procedures to decrease the trend and implement the procedures.       7.      Develop and implement a system for employees to raise workplace violence concerns and ensure concerns are followed up on and appropriate corrective measures are taken.       8.      Provide all employees with Kevlar sleeves for protection against residents who have exhibited a history of biting.      9.      Provide employees with blocking pads to be used when separating residents who are engaged in violent activities toward other residents and to be used when residents engage in aggressive behavior toward staff.      10.  Develop and implement a procedure for tracking and alerting all staff of aggressive behavior:      a.       While the behavior is occurring, so other staff can assist the residents involved.  b.      During shift changes so oncoming staff are aware of residents? changes in behavior.      11.  Conduct periodic assessments of the facility to ensure objects/furnishings that could be used as weapons are identified and removed or secured.    12.  Provide staff with a mobile phone, panic button or other appropriate communication device or method for rapidly summoning assistance during emergencies.