OSHA Inspection: HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH RESIDENTIAL CARE INC., THE HARBORAGE

Issued

Nov 10, 2020

Abate by

Dec 9, 2020

Penalty

Initial $13,494 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(e)(2)(ii):  The medical evaluation did not obtain the information requested by the questionnaire in Sections 1 and 2, Part A of Appendix C of 29 CFR 1910.134:  a) Worksite, 7600 River Road, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047:   On or about May 6, 2020, and continuing thereafter, the medical evaluations provided by the employer did not obtain the information requested in Sections 1 and 2, Part A of Appendix C of 29 CFR 1910.134.  The information missing includes, but is not limited to, questions about symptoms of pulmonary or lung illness, cardiovascular or heart problems and symptoms.  The employer required employees including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), unit secretaries, and housekeepers to wear N95 respirators when exposed to and/or caring for suspected and confirmed positive COVID-19 residents.

Issued

Nov 10, 2020

Abate by

Dec 9, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2):  Employee(s) using tight-fitting facepiece respirators were not 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) Worksite, 7600 River Road, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047:   1) On or about May 6, 2020, and continuing thereafter, the employer did not provide a fit test to all employees required to wear respirators.  The employer required employees such as a housekeeper to wear N95 filtering facepiece respirators while providing housekeeping services for residents, including those suspected and confirmed positive COVID-19 residents.  The employer did not provide an initial fit test to this employee.   2) On or about May 6, 2020, and continuing thereafter, the employer did not provide additional fit testing when different N95 respirator models were used.  The employer required employees working as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), unit secretaries and housekeepers, to wear N95 filtering facepiece respirators while providing direct patient care to residents, including those suspected and confirmed positive COVID-19 residents.  The employer did not provide additional fit testing to these employees when different N95 respirator models were used.

Issued

Nov 10, 2020

Abate by

Dec 9, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1):  The employer did not provide effective training to ensure that each employee could demonstrate knowledge of 1910.134(k)(1)(i) - (vii):  a) Worksite, 7600 River Road, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047:    On or about May 6, 2020, and continuing thereafter, the employer did not provide employees, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), unit secretaries and housekeepers, with effective training such as:   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, use, and check the seals of the respirator; e) What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator; and f) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.  The employer required these employees to wear N95 filtering facepiece respirators to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus while providing care to suspected and confirmed positive COVID-19 residents.

Issued

Nov 10, 2020

Abate by

Dec 9, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1):  Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program including the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):   a) Worksite, 7600 River Road, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047:   On or about May 6, 2020, and continuing thereafter, the employer did not implement a written hazard communication program for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, sani-wipes which contain isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium.  These chemicals are used to decontaminate personal protective equipment and surfaces of SARS-CoV-2.

Issued

Nov 10, 2020

Abate by

Dec 9, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1):  Employees were not provided effective information and training on hazardous chemicals introduced into their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard about which the employees had not been previously trained:  a) Worksite, 7600 River Road, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047:   On or about May 6, 2020, and continuing thereafter, the employer did not provide information and training to employees exposed to hazardous chemicals such as, but not limited to, sani-wipes, which contain isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium.  These wipes are used to decontaminate personal protective equipment and surfaces of SARS-CoV-2.