OSHA Cites Health Facility for Exposing Employees to Workplace Violence
OSHA cited Premier Behavioral Health Solutions of Florida Inc. and UHS of Delaware Inc., subsidiaries of Universal Health Services Inc., for not instituting controls to prevent patients from verbal and physical threats of assault, including kicks, punches, and bites, and from using objects as weapons.
OSHA has cited Premier Behavioral Health Solutions of Florida Inc. and UHS of Delaware Inc., the operators of Suncoast Behavioral Health Center based in Bradenton, Fla., for failing to protect employees from violence in the workplace. Premier Behavioral Health Solutions of Florida Inc. and UHS of Delaware Inc. face total proposed penalties of $71,137.
OSHA responded to a complaint that employees were not properly protected from violent mental health patients. OSHA cited Premier Behavioral Health Solutions of Florida Inc. and UHS of Delaware Inc., subsidiaries of Universal Health Services Inc., for not instituting controls to prevent patients from verbal and physical threats of assault, including kicks, punches, and bites, and from using objects as weapons. Another subsidiary of UHS was cited in 2016 for an inadequate workplace violence program.
"This citation reflects a failure to effectively address numerous incidents over the past two years resulting in serious injuries to employees of the facility," OSHA Tampa Area Office Director Les Grove said.
Premier Behavioral Health Solutions of Florida Inc. and UHS of Delaware Inc. have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.