[Updated] OSHA Cites Hebrew Home and Hospital With 14 'Serious' Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Monday that it cited a West Hartford health care facility with 14 'serious' violations of workplace safety standards. 

Hebrew Home and Hospital Inc., which was inspected under OSHA's national emphasis program for nursing and residential care facilities, was cited by the federal agency, according to a press release. The violations, if upheld, carry proposed penalties of $58,800. 

• failed to conduct a hazard analysis, provide eye and face protection and provide readily accessible emergency eyewash stations for employees working with corrosive chemicals.

• had an inadequate lockout/tagout policy to prevent the unintended activation of machinery during maintenance; 

• inadequately guarded machinery; 

• had excess air pressure for a cleaning hose; 

• improper disposal of flammable rags; inadequate bloodborne pathogen controls and procedures; 

• and several electrical-related hazards. The hazards were found in the laundry, kitchen, maintenance shop, main electrical room, central supply area and pharmacy.

“If uncorrected, these conditions can expose workers to the hazards of chemical burns, electric shock, fire, bloodborne pathogens and being caught in operating machinery,” said Warren Simpson, OSHA’s area director in Hartford, in a press release. “Effective steps must be taken to correct these conditions and prevent their recurrence.”

Hebrew Home and Hospital Inc., according to the release, has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Bonnie Gauthier, CEO and president of Hebrew Health Care, issued the following statement in response to the OSHA press release: