Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to acts of workplace violence (WPV) caused by patient aggression. Nurses, Nurse Practioners, Mental Health Specialists and activity therapists at UHS of Fuller Hospital Inc./UHS of Delaware Inc., (dba Fuller Hospital) have suffered serious WPV related injuries such as concussions, head injuries, strains, sprains, lacerations, muscle tears, eye injuries, and contusions, while performing their job duties. The employer has not developed and implemented adequate measures to protect employees from this recurring serious hazard. Facility-wide: On or about June 12, 2019, employees were exposed to physical attacks from patients who exhibited aggressive behavior. Injuries have resulted from direct attacks including, but not limited to, punches to the face and the back of the head, slaps, kicks, bites, hair pulls and scratches. Employees were attacked, and were also injured during behavioral health emergencies, while breaking up fights between patients, coming to the aid of a co-worker who was being assaulted, while performing safety checks, while working with another patient and when on a 1:1 observation with a patient.