OSHA to drop nursing homes as inspection targets, thanks Bush

Nurses Activism

Published

OSHA to drop nursing homes as inspection targets

Nursing homes may have one less inspection to worry about in the future. The Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) plans to remove nursing homes from future targeting efforts, according to a new report from the General Accounting Office (GAO). In a small footnote, the GAO report on OSHA enforcement programs quotes OSHA officials as saying they'll drop nursing homes as a workplace focus because there's no ergonomics standard under which its inspectors can cite hazards. OSHA at one time targeted nursing homes--where workers frequently experience ergonomic-related injuries, such as back injuries from lifting and moving residents--and cited them under its "general duty clause" for unsafe work environments. However, the Bush administration in 2001 overturned an ergonomics standard that would have addressed a series of musculoskeletal hazards and inspectors have since been discouraged from using the clause to cite violations. An OSHA spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It must run in the family. I refer to the case of the woman, who is a ward of the state of Florida who is mentally incapacitated and residing in a facility in Florida. Thanks Gov. Jeb Bush.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oops, sorry. I forgot to mention that she was impregnated in the Fla nsg home!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am surprised that this article has not generated more comments here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

I guess it's just that nothing surprises anymore... the news from this administration continues to burdon the soul... every day it's some new depressing attack on common sense.

Yes, this IS depressing, and downright sickening. Things were bad enough even with inspections in PLACE....

I don't even want to BEGIN to imagine what it will be like now. :o

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hang the banner at the Nursing Homes "Mission Accomplished". Maybe Dubbya can arrive driving an Ambulance for this one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
:( Ugh!! I like that just like the fact that Bush doesn't want to set minimum staffing requirements or OT regs because it would impact Medicare...
Up Vote Up Vote ×

how about the new feeding regulations for nursing home residents? bush signed a law this year allowing auxillary staff like housecleaners to feed residents, seems that extra 50 cents an hour they pay aides is just too much. Open wide, grandma...:o

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

Excuse me but as much as I hate those inspections, this is F'ing retarded.

Another case of "Thank God God is God," hope SOMEone is watching over those poor patients. We know how awful care is in nursing homes already.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Although Bush has lessened the requirments of other types of inspections in LTC, the particular one posted at the beginning of this thread involves worker safety.

Due to OSHA regs negated by Bush- LTC facilities are now not penalized for back injury and other types of injuries incurred by LTC workers r/t to the facilitity not having lifting equipment, enough staff for assisted lifts, etc. The facilities are now not required to have any type of mechanical lifting devices or ergonomics in place to prevent on-the-job injury to workers due to lifting, bending, turning, transferring etc.

Being that study after study shows that LTC workers have the highest rate of back injury of all occupations, this seems just counterproductive, stupid and cruel to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Completely not surprising. Yes, Mr. Bush is a real friend to nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment