OSHA Inspection: BELL MEDICAL TRANSPORT, LLC

Issued

Sep 18, 2020

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $9,446 · Current $8,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(d)(1)(ii): The employer did not select and use a NIOSH-certified respirator in compliance with the conditions of its certification:  a) Workplace, 109 Park St., Orange, NJ  The employer provided and required eemployees including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)  to wear respirators during the  transport of patients including those under investigation and/or confirmed as COVID-19 positive, with earloop respirators labeled as KN95.  These respirators are not NIOSH-certified respirators.   Violation occurred on or about March 28, 2020 and thereafter.

Issued

Sep 18, 2020

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(1): The employer did not provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee was fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace:  a) Workplace, 109 Park St., Orange, NJ  The employer provided and required employees including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to wear respirators during the transport of patients including those under investigation and/or confirmed as COVID-19 positive.  The employer did not provide these employees with a medical evaluation to ensure that they were capable of safely wearing such respirators.    Violation occurred on or about March 19, 2020 and thereafter.

Issued

Sep 18, 2020

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2): The employer did not ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter:  a) Workplace, 109 Park St., Orange, NJ  The employer provided and required employees including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to wear respirators during the transport of patients including those under investigation and/or confirmed as COVID-19 positive.  The employer did not provide these employees with a fit test to ensure the respirators protect them from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.   Violation occurred on or about March 19, 2020 and thereafter.

Issued

Sep 18, 2020

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k): The employer did not provided effective training to employees who are required to use respirators:  a) Workplace, 109 Park St., Orange, NJ   The employer provided and required employees including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to wear respirators during the transport of patients including those under investigation and/or confirmed as COVID-19 positive.  The employer did not provide these employees with effective training in topics including but not limited to:   a) Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator; b) What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are; c) How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions; d) How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator; e) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.     Violation occurred on or about March 19, 2020 and thereafter.

Issued

Sep 18, 2020

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,747 · Current $7,500

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:  The employer did not offer the Hepatitis B Vaccine to Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who are potentially exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while transporting and providing care to patients requiring dialysis and/or those patients with surgically implanted shunt ports.   Violation occurred on or about March 19, 2020 and thereafter.

Issued

Sep 18, 2020

Abate by

Oct 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $1,350 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.4(a): The employer did not record each work-related fatality, injury or illness case that resulted in the general recording criteria on the OSHA Form 300 or equivalent:  Facility located at 109 Park St., Orange, NJ.    For Calendar Year 2020, the employer did not record a death and illnesses resulting from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 where employees received days away from work and/or medical treatment:  a) Five EMTs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Disease.    Violation determined on or about April 5, 2020 and May 15, 2020