OSHA Inspection: PRESENCE CHICAGO HOSPITALS NETWORK DBA AMITA HEALTH SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL CHICAGO

Issued

Oct 2, 2020

Abate by

Oct 29, 2020

Penalty

Initial $13,494 · Current $13,494

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 causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees In that employees were working in close proximity to visitors entering the hospital and were exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19:     a) During the period between March 27 and April 2, 2020, the employer did not implement timely and effective measures to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Employees performing COVID-19 screenings on hospital entrants were required to do so in close proximity to the entrants.  This condition allowed the spread of the virus:  Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement for this hazard include: 1) Establish, implement and enforce mandatory individual protective measures including face masks (e.g., surgical masks) and face shields worn by screeners at hospital entrance screening stations, and mandatory face coverings worn by all people entering the hospital, and  2) Establish, implement, and enforce proactive social distancing measures to ensure screeners maintain at least a six-foot distance between themselves and hospital entrants being screened upon entry.  If unable to distance screeners from entrants, implement protective measures such as physical barriers, i.e.,  glass or plastic windows or shields, between screeners and visitors entering the hospital. 3) If neither maintaining at least a six-foot distance between screeners and hospital entrants, nor implementation of physical barriers between screeners and entrants is feasible, appropriate personal protective equipment  (PPE) including N95 or higher respirators, gloves and eye protection shall be used.