Search

NJ Healthcare Provider Cited for COVID-19 Workplace Safety Violations

Posted on 7/9/2021 by Lauren Scott

OSHA issued two citations to a New Jersey-based healthcare provider for allegedly failing to protect employees from coronavirus-related hazards, resulting in the deaths of two workers.

Following COVID-19 outbreaks at two of its facilities in Howell and Lumberton, the employer allegedly failed to develop and implement timely, effective measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. Mitigation tactics recommended by OSHA included isolating clients suspected of having the coronavirus and notifying staff who worked with these clients about the associated risks.

The employer also allegedly failed to develop and implement a respiratory protection program, distribute NIOSH-certified respirators to employees who provided care to potentially-contagious clients, and provide effective training in the use, cleaning and storage of a respirator. 

The alleged violations exposed multiple workers in various locations to COVID-19, according to OSHA.

OSHA cited the company with a serious violation of the respiratory protection Standard and a serious violation of the OSH Act General Duty Clause that requires employers to ensure workplaces are free of recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm.

Proposed penalties total $27,306.
 

Final OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Standard Now Complete

OSHA's COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) was published to the Federal Register on June 21, 2021. Employers in the healthcare industry must comply with most of the rule’s requirements by July 6, 2021.

Employers have until July 21 to comply with requirements in paragraph (i), (k), and (n) concerning physical barriers, ventilation, and employee COVID-19 training, respectively. 

OSHA will accept stakeholders’ comments on the new COVID-19 ETS until August 20, 2021.
 

OSHA Expands COVID-19 Inspections Under New NEP

To account for the latest information on COVID-19, vaccination guidance, and PPE availability, OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on coronavirus-related safety inspections. The NEP now provides more details about inspections at healthcare and non-healthcare facilities.

Read more: OSHA Expands COVID-19 Inspections Under New NEP
 

COVID-19 Safety Awareness Online Training

Lion launched the COVID-19 Employee Safety Awareness Online Course to help US workplaces re-open safely. As facilities nationwide begin to do so, it is crucial that employees know how to protect themselves and their co-workers from exposure to COVID-19.

The course prepares employees to:
  • Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors for COVID-19.
  • Describe how the COVID-19 disease is transmitted.
  • Follow recommended hygiene and work protocols to prevent exposure.
  •  Properly use and care for PPE and face coverings, when required. 
Find more resources to help your facility protect employees from COVID-19 at Lion.com/COVID19.

Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, fines, healthcare, osha, penalties, safety, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.