Work

An Analysis of OSHA Inspections Assessing Contaminant Exposures in General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: This study analyzed data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Chemical Exposure Health Database to assess contaminant exposures in general medical and surgical hospitals. Seventy-five inspections conducted in these hospitals from 2005 through 2009 were identified. Five categories of inspections were conducted, the three most common being complaint-based, planned, and referral-based inspections. Complaint-based inspections comprised the majority of inspections-55 (73%) of the 75 conducted. The overall violation rate for all inspection types was 68%. This finding was compared to the violation rates of planned inspections (100%), referral-based inspections (83%), and complaint-based inspections (62%). Asbestos was the hazardous substance most commonly sampled and cited by OSHA in hospitals, with 127 samples collected during 24 inspections; 31% of the total 75 inspections resulting in one or more violations were due to asbestos.

Source: Workplace Health & Safety

DOI: 10.1177/216507991306100403

Authors: Jordan L. Knight, Darrah K. Sleeth, Rodney R. Larson, Leon F. Pahler

Institution: University of Utah

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry