January 17, 2017

OSHA fines Pennsylvania hospital $32K for exposing employees
to workplace violence, other hazards

Employer name:

BHC Northwest Psychiatric Hospital LLC, doing business as Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital

BHC Northwest Psychiatric Hospital LLC, doing business as Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital

Inspection site:

7170 Lafayette Ave.

7170 Lafayette Ave.

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

Citations issued: On Jan. 11, 2017, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations for four serious violations.

Inspection findings: OSHA began its inspection on July 11, 2016, after receiving a complaint alleging that employees were exposed to workplace violence, and were not provided with clear access to restrooms.

OSHA cited the hospital under the OSH Act's General Duty Clause for exposing employees to the hazard workplace violence after the investigation found the facility had a number of incidents in which violence was committed by patients against employees. Incidents included employees being punched, bit, scratched, grabbed and hit with objects, resulting in serious injuries. In addition, the employer received citations for failing to provide personal protective equipment, allow bathroom access, and establish a comprehensive bloodborne pathogen program, failure to provide annual training and deficiencies in the content of the bloodborne pathogen training.

Quote: "Documented reports of violent incidents at this hospital reflect a lax approach to workplace safety. The hospital must take immediate action and put in place effective measures so that the hospital's employees can work safely." said Jean Kulp, director of OSHA's Allentown Office

Proposed penalties: $32,158

The citations can be viewed at:
https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/BHC_Northwest_Psychiatric_Hospital_LLC_1161234_0111_17.pdf

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint; or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Allentown office at 267-429-7542.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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Media Contacts:

Leni Fortson, 215-861-5102, uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov
Joanna Hawkins, 215-861-5101, hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

Release Number: 17-56-PHI (OSHA 17-003 BHC Northwest Psychiatric Hospital)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).