OSHA to Focus on Hazards in Nursing Homes

Through a new national emphasis program (NEP), OSHA will target nursing homes and residential care facilities to protect workers from serious safety and health hazards common in medical industries. Under the NEP, the agency will focus outreach efforts and inspections on specific hazards for 3 years to reduce occupational illnesses and injuries. These hazards include exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material; exposure to other communicable diseases; ergonomic stressors related to lifting patients; workplace violence; and slips, trips and falls.