National Emphasis Program—Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

A three-year enforcement effort focused on ergonomic issues at nursing homes and residential care facilities was announced April 5 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In addition to looking for problems involving ergonomics, such as lifting patients, and bloodborne pathogens, OSHA compliance officers will check for strategies designed to prevent workplace violence, tuberculosis, and falls, according to the program directive.

The scope of an inspection can be expanded if other hazards, such as exposure to multi-drug resistant organisms and dangerous chemicals, are found.

The national emphasis program, CPL 03-00-016, became effective with the announcement. 

It covers establishments in three North American Industry Classification System categories:

• nursing care facilities (623110),

• residential mental retardation facilities (623210), and