OSHA Inspection: TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Issued

May 9, 2023

Abate by

Jul 14, 2023

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $15,625

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 were exposed to assaults from patients exhibiting violent behavior while admitted for treatment.  Nurses, Patient Care Assistants (PCAs), Security Officers, and Patient Sitters were exposed to the hazard of physical threats and assaults, such as being bitten, punched, kicked, scratched, and spit on by behavioral health patients exhibiting signs of aggression in departments such as the Pediatric Acute Care Unit during routine interactions, daily activities, and providing care.   Assaults have resulted in injuries including sprains, contusions, lacerations, and concussions. There were 15 recordable incidents of workplace violence that occurred in 2022, where a patient exhibiting signs of aggression assaulted an employee.  a) On or about November 10, 2022, a security officer was dragged to the ground and kicked in the chest repeatedly while assisting a patient sitter with an aggressive patient.