OSHA Signals Upcoming National Emphasis Program for Nursing Homes
In response to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released Nov. 9 that showed an increase in the injury and illness rates among members of certain health care professions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) signaled that it will implement in the next few months a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Nursing and Residential Care Facilities.
The BLS data on nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work in 2010 showed a 6% increase from the previous year in the incidence rate for health care support workers. That rate is nearly 2-1/2 times the rate for all private and public sector workers. The rate among nursing aides, orderlies and attendants rose 7% from the previous year. Additionally, the rate of musculoskeletal disorder cases with days away from work for nursing aides, orderlies and attendants increased 10%.
The NEP will focus inspection and enforcement efforts on: - Back injuries from resident handling or lifting patients.
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious diseases.
- Workplace violence.
- Slips, trips and falls.
While similar in focus to OSHA’s recently announced
Site-Specific Targeting (SST) Program, the NEP will
not be limited to 300 of the worst performing nursing and personal care facilities as is the case with the SST Program. Experts anticipate that OSHA will begin aggressively inspecting facilities in the next few months.