Investigators who inspect health care facilities are required by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA to expand their resources to better focus on some of the key hazards at the workplace that cause injuries to employees.
Specifically on that list of health care facility workplace hazards are slips, trips, and falls. These are a big part of the nearly 58,000 work-related injuries reported by hospitals annually in the United States. Surprisingly, this rate is nearly twice as high as the number of work-related injuries reported by private industry. Because of the high numbers and growing rates of workplace injuries that include slips and falls, OSHA has decided to expand its use of enforcement.
OSHA wants to reduce workplace injuries in health care facilities. According to OSHA, these facilities have some of the highest injury rates in the country. Most workplace injuries in health care settings are preventable. Stronger regulations and stricter inspections can reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries.
OSHA is giving inspectors more training and resources. These efforts aim to improve safety in hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities. OSHA also requires employers to follow workplace safety standards. These standards include maintaining safe flooring conditions to protect employee health and well-being.
If you are the owner or facilities manager of a health care facility and want more information on how to boost the safety of employees and customers for slip and falls, please contact a walkway auditor near you to schedule an appointment.
Source: OSHA.gov
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