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 were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees from physical assault by patients exhibiting violent behavior, resulting in serious injuries and death while working at Elara Caring: On or about October 28, 2023, and at times prior, employees providing patient home health care were exposed to threats of and physical assaults by patients who exhibited aggressive behavior and were known to pose a risk to themselves and others. The physical assaults included hitting, punching, and striking staff with objects while they were performing job duties. The employer had not developed and implemented adequate measures to protect employees from this recurring hazard. On October 28, 2023, a patient killed a licensed practical nurse (LPN) during a home health care visit in Willimantic, Connecticut.