OSHA Inspection: SOUTHEASTERN DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

Issued

Jan 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $6,453 · Current $2,292 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use:   a)  On or about July 9, 2024, and at times prior, the employer, Southeastern Developmental Services, Inc., did not provide suitable facilities for drenching or flushing in the work area, such as a continuous-flush, emergency eye wash, for employees required to use germicidal bleach for cleaning and disinfecting operations.  Germicidal bleach contains a 5-10% sodium hypochlorite concentration and is manufacturer-labeled as corrosive.  This condition exposed employees to severe chemical burn injuries to eyes and skin.

Issued

Jan 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $9,680 · Current $6,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(i): The employer having employee(s) with occupational exposure did not establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens:  a)  On or about July 9, 2024, and at times prior, the employer, Southeastern Developmental Services, Inc., did not establish and implement a written Exposure Control Program to protect employees from exposure to blood, potential bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials during violent encounters with patients and during general patient care.  These conditions exposed employees to blood, potential bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials.

Issued

Jan 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1030(g)(2)(i): The employer did not ensure that each employee with occupational exposure participated in a training program:  a)  On or about July 9, 2024, and at times prior, the employer, Southeastern Developmental Services, Inc., did not ensure that each employee exposed to blood and potential bloodborne pathogens, as well as other potentially infectious materials, participated in a training program that covered all required elements.  Among other items, employees were unaware of the tasks creating exposure, hazards of bloodborne pathogens, modes of transmission, appropriate methods of control, and decontamination.  These conditions exposed employees to blood, potential bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials.

Issued

Jan 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 3, 2025

Penalty

Initial $6,453 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program which at included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):   a)  On or about July 9, 2024, and at times prior, the employer, Southeastern Developmental Services, Inc., did not develop a written hazard communication program to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals such as those used during required surface-disinfecting operations.  Among other cleaning chemicals, employees were required to use germicidal bleach during cleaning operations which contained a 5-10% sodium hypochlorite concentration.  This condition exposed employees to severe chemical burn injuries to eyes and skin.

Issued

Jan 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 3, 2025

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 in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard that the employees had not been previously trained about was introduced into their work area:   a)  On or about July 9, 2024, and at times prior, the employer, Southeastern Developmental Services, Inc., did not ensure employees who were required to use germicidal bleach for patient residential home cleaning and disinfecting purposes, were provided with effective information and training on the health hazards of that chemical.  The SDS lists that Germicidal bleach contains a 5-10% sodium hypochlorite concentration.  This condition exposed employees to severe chemical burn injuries to eyes and skin.