OSHA Citation on Workplace Violence at Psychiatric Treatment Facility Affirmed by Federal Judge
The facility in Colorado was cited in 2019 for exposing workers to violence hazards.
- By Alex Saurman
- Aug 10, 2022
A federal judge has affirmed OSHA citations contested by a Colorado psychiatric treatment facility.
According to a press release, in 2018, OSHA inspected UHS of Centennial Peaks LLC, operating as Centennial Peaks Hospital, in Louisville, Colorado, after someone filed a complaint for workplace violence. OSHA alleged that some workers, including “nurses and mental health technicians,” were exposed to violence from “aggressive patients.”
OSHA cited the company in 2019, which later contested the citations, leading to a trial in 2021. In 2022, a federal judge ruled that the abatement measures, which included measures like a workplace violence prevention program, additional communication methods, and changes to nurse stations, “were feasible and would materially reduce the workplace violence hazard,” the press release said. A penalty of $10,229 was affirmed as well.
“Workers at behavioral health centers are entitled to work without fear of violence from patients,” said Regional Solicitor John Rainwater in Denver in the press release. “Unfortunately, UHS of Centennial Peaks failed to meet its obligations, resulting in its employees suffering assaults and serious injuries at the hands of aggressive patients.”
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.