OSHA plans nursing home inspections

Roughly 300 nursing homes can expect inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to one of the latest agency directives aimed at long-term care providers.

OSHA is targeting nursing and personal care homes with 20 or more employees that have a Days Away, Restricted or Transferred rate at or over 16 days. Facilities that have a Days Away From Work Injury and Illness case rate of 13 to 16 also may be inspected after the initial round is completed, officials said.

OSHA surveyors will focus on workplace factors such as ergonomics stressors, exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, exposure to tuberculosis, as well as slips, trips and falls, according to the agency directive. Long-term care facilities are targeted by the agency due to the high rates of injuries and illnesses experienced by workers.