OSHA puts boots on the ground to inspect healthcare facilities

Through June 9, OSHA intends to expand its presence in the following targeted COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 virus high-hazard healthcare facilities that treat or handle COVID-19 patients:

• NAICS 622110 General medical/surgical hospitals;
• NAICS 622210 Psychiatric/substance abuse hospitals;
• NAICS 623110 Nursing care facilities; and
• NAICS 623312 Assisted living facilities for elderly.

The idea is to expand OSHA’s presence to ensure continued mitigation to control the spread of COVID-19 and future variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and protect the health and safety of healthcare workers at heightened risk for contracting the virus.

Follow-up inspections will be conducted at sites that were previously issued citations or hazard alert letters. Follow-up inspections may also be made where complaints were received but the agency did not conduct in-person inspections or where the agency had previously conducted and closed a Rapid Response Investigation. OSHA inspectors will look to see that:

• Previously cited COVID-19-related violations have been corrected;
• Employers have implemented a COVID-19 plan; and
• Control measures, including procedures for determining vaccination status, are effective.

OSHA inspectors will evaluate the facility’s injury/illness logs, personal protective equipment protocols, respiratory protection program, and procedures for conducting hazards assessments. They will also perform a limited walkaround of areas designated for COVID-19 patient treatment or handling.