Text For Citation: 02 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 caused by patient aggression. Nurses, social workers, and Mental Health Associates (MHAs) at Arbour Hospital /UHS of Delaware Inc., (Arbour) have suffered serious workplace violence related injuries such as concussions, fractures, strains, sprains, lacerations, 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 including Quincy satellite unit: On or about December 11, 2017, employees, including nurses, social workers and MHAs were exposed to physical attacks from patients who exhibited aggressive behavior. Injuries have resulted from direct attacks involving, but not limited to, punches to the face and the back of the head, slaps, kicks, scratches, as well as attacks from objects thrown such as furniture and desk phones. Employees were attacked, and also injured during restraint holds, trying to break up fights between patients, while running to avoid an assault, and during the admission process. UHS of Westwood Pembroke, Inc. (dba Lowell Treatment Center) was previously cited for a violation of Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1009746, citation number 1, item number 1, and was affirmed as a final order on May 27, 2016, with respect to a workplace located at 391 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01584.