OSHA Inspection: THE CHILDREN'S HOME OF READING

Issued

Sep 7, 2016

Abate by

Oct 25, 2016

Penalty

Initial $12,471 · Current $6,250 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 in that employees are exposed to the hazard of workplace violence:      a) The Children's Home of Reading - Employees were exposed to the hazard of workplace violence in that they were being physically assaulted and injured by the youth housed and schooled at the facility, on or about March 7, 2015.    Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement. Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement or other written records.    Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to abate the hazard of workplace violence include:    Develop a written, comprehensive workplace violence program which should include:     a. A policy statement regarding potential violence in the workplace and assignment of oversight and prevention responsibilities.  The policy must clearly define workplace violence hazards employees may encounter including, but not limited to, verbal and physical assaults.  Ensure the policy is conveyed to employees, teachers, clients, and anyone else that may come in contact with clients.     b. Workplace violence hazard assessment and security procedures that are used for each client.  Such procedures should identify the risks employees may face and how the employer will address the specific hazards identified.    c. Development of workplace violence controls, including implementation of engineering and administrative controls and methods used to prevent potential workplace violence incidents.              i. Establish a system such as chart tags or log books to identify clients with assaultive behavior problems.  Be cognitive of patient confidentiality and worker safety issues.  Update clients? behavioral histories as needed.  Review workplace violence incidents from the previous shift during change-in shift meetings.              ii. Maintain records of clients? violent behavior experienced by employees and establish a system, such as chart tags or log books to ensure employees are provided this information.             iii. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as panic buttons for employees exposed to clients who have a tendency to be aggressive. Provide spit masks for clients who have a tendency to spit in the face of employees. Provide impact cushions to protect employees from clients who head butt and train them to use the cushion as a shield of protection from aggressive clients.                iv. Encourage employees to promptly report incidents and train them on ways to reduce or eliminate risk. Keep log books and reports to help determine any necessary actions to prevent recurrences.      d. A recordkeeping system designed to report any violent incidents.  The reports must be in writing and maintained for review after each incident and at least annually to analyze incident trends.           i. Require and ensure that employees report all assaults or threats to a supervisor or manager, regardless of severity.  Investigate all violent incidents and threats. Implement appropriate recommendations resulting from incident investigations.          ii. Identify clients who pose the most risk to employees and ensure employees are aware by using signage or charts to inform them of the risk in dealing with aggressive clients.     e. Development of a workplace violence training program for all employees so they are aware of the potential hazards and means to protect themselves and coworkers through established policies and procedures.  The training shall include the employer's workplace violence prevention program and what procedures and practices to follow in the workplace and when clients are transported.            i. Include in the program elements how to identify and defuse a situation prior to it becoming an escalated incident.           ii. Ensure training is provided to employees prior to beginning work, and should also occur when significant changes are made to policies and procedures.  Annual refresher training should be provided to all staff.     f. Annually review the workplace violence prevention program and update it as necessary.  Such review and updates shall set forth any mitigating steps taken in response to any workplace violence incidents.     g. Development of procedures and responsibilities to be taken in the event of a violent incident in the workplace.  Advise employees of company procedures for requesting police assistance or filing charges when assaulted and help them do so, if necessary. Provide prompt medical and psychological evaluations and treatment after the incident.     h. Ensure employees utilize a buddy system while providing service to clients especially in the cottages where clients have a history of violence.            i. Develop and implement a formal weapons policy to address clients using objects as weapons and should include procedures for employees to follow, as well as employee training on such procedures. Remove any glass cups, bowls, and metal silverware, to prevent the items from becoming a weapon for the clients to use against employees.     i. Ensure that on second shift that the client to staff ratio is in accordance with State regulations to handle aggressive clients when they are in crisis.     j. Employ security personnel and provide training to them that includes the psychological components of handling aggressive and abusive clients, types of disorders and ways to handle aggression and defuse hostile situations.      k. When appropriate, make sure the furniture in the cottages are bolted to the floor to prevent clients from using them as a weapon.     l. When code yellow is called make sure there are enough employees to respond to the incident to ensure employees' safety during the crisis.      m. Develop a safety committee that implements appropriate recommendations based on the monthly evaluation of injuries that occur at the facility.

Issued

Sep 7, 2016

Abate by

Oct 25, 2016

Penalty

Initial $10,689 · Current $5,350 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:    (a) Children's Home of Reading - The employer did not provide personal protective equipment such as Kevlar sleeves for employees who are being bitten by clients while in therapeutic holds, on or about March 7, 2016.      Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and state employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.