In an effort to combat the growing numbers of workplace injuries at health care facilities, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will expand the enforcement abilities of inspectors for certain potential hazards. These hazards include those that lead to slip and fall injuries, among others.  

According to OSHA, hospitals in the United States reported more than 58,000 workplace injuries and illnesses annually, of which slips and falls were a significant part. The number of workplace injuries at hospitals is nearly twice as high as the rates for private injuries. Because many of the health care workplace injuries are preventable, OSHA is continuing its duties to enforce the standards of health and safety at the workplace and expanding education and resources for inspectors to bring hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities up to even higher standards. 

If during an inspection, an OSHA inspector finds that a facility’s flooring or walkway is not acceptable and poses a risk to employees or clients to slip and fall, the employer may be subject to fines or other actions. OSHA inspectors can provide training and education to health care facilities in order to reduce hazards and minimize risks of workplace injuries associated with slips, trips and falls. 

Any owner, facilities manager or other responsible party that is interested in assessing the condition of the floors at a hospital, clinic or other health care facility should contact a certified walkway auditor for a full assessment of the flooring. The walkway auditor will also provide recommendations on what areas are high risk and what can be done about them. Please contact a walkway auditor today for more information about meeting OSHA’s standards for health and safety.

Source: OSHA.gov