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

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

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

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

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.