OSHA Inspection: ARIEL CLINICAL SERVICES

Issued

Nov 5, 2015

Abate by

Jan 24, 2016

Penalty

Initial $4,200 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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:    a)  On or about May 6, 2015, and at times prior, employees were exposed to physical harm and serious injuries as a result of clients exhibiting aggressive and violent behavior. The employer has not established or implemented adequate measures to protect employees from assaults or other physical violence in the workplace.       Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to abate the hazard includes, but is not limited to:    Establish and implement a comprehensive and effective workplace violence prevention program which includes, but not limited to elements of:      1)      Management Commitment and Worker Participation:      Develop a stand-alone written comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Program which includes the following elements:     ·       A Workplace Violence Policy Statement that includes the responsibilities of all staff;   ·       An explanation to clients that there is a zero tolerance for workplace violence. A system for reporting safety concerns internally;              ·       Establish a liaison with law enforcement representatives;  ·       Determine the behavioral history of new clients and establish a system such as chart tags, log books, or verbal census reports to identify clients with assaultive behavior problems;   ·       Periodic review of the program; make updates as necessary.    2)    Worksite Analysis and Hazard Identification:    ·       Implementation of workplace controls and prevention strategies to maximize safety and minimize the likelihood of assaultive behavior;  ·       Incident investigation;        ·       Hazard/Threat/Security assessment including records review, inspection of the worksite, and employee survey;   ·       Put procedures in place that would communicate to staff any incident of workplace violence so that employees who might not have access to client charts would be aware of a clients previous acts of violence or aggression.    3)    Safety and Health Training:     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:    ·       Instructing all employees to state clearly to clients and employees that violence is not permitted or tolerated;  ·       Train all employees on effective methods for responding during a workplace violence incident;  ·       Train all employees on recognizing clients or others who are exhibiting aggressive behavior, and on techniques for timely de-escalating the behavior;    ·       Instruct all employees about risk factors that cause or contribute to assaultive behaviors;    ·       Training should be conducted at orientation and annually as refresher training.  4)   Hazard Prevention and Control:    ·       Prepare contingency plans to treat clients who are acting out;  ·       Implement and maintain a buddy system as appropriate based upon a complete hazard assessment;   ·       Implement and maintain a procedure for staff to request and obtain double coverage when necessary;      ·       Evaluate residence locations for possible installation of engineering controls, such as, but not limited to, security cameras, and/or equipment to summon assistance when needed, such as an electronic alarm and/or walkie-talkies as well as other means to ensure employee safety, such as GPS tracking systems, and door locks for staff quarters.

Issued

Nov 5, 2015

Abate by

Dec 24, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(i): The employer having employee(s) with occupational exposure did not establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure:    a) On or about May 6, 2015, and at times prior, the employer had not established and implemented a written Exposure Control Plan for employees with occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.  Employees are directed to provide initial first aid to clients as part of their work duties.        Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Nov 5, 2015

Abate by

Dec 24, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(1)(i): The employer did not make available the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to all employees who have occupational exposure:  a) On or about May 6, 2015, employees with potential occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens were not offered the hepatitis B vaccination.   Employees are directed to provide initial first aid to clients as part of their work duties.     Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").