Health Care eAlert: OSHA to Ramp Up Safety Inspections at SNFs and RCFs

By Aaron J. Besen

On April 5, 2012, the Department of Labor's OSHA announced a new National Emphasis Program for Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities to protect workers from serious safety and health hazards common in medical industries.

A copy of the OSHA News Release can be accessed here: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=22116.

Specific information about the National Emphasis Program can be accessed here: www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_03-00-016.pdf.

Through this National Emphasis Program, OSHA will target nursing homes and residential care facilities in an effort to reduce occupational illnesses and injuries. This likely means increased inspections and scrutiny of safety at facilities.

If you would like more information on the National Emphasis Program, or have questions about long term care issues, please feel free to contact us.