OSHA’s Most Frequently Cited Standards in Hospitals

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) keeps records not only of the most frequently cited standards overall, but also within particular industries. The most recent statistics from OSHA reveal the top standards cited in the fiscal year 2022 for the hospital industry.

This top 10 list comprises establishments that provide medical, diagnostic and treatment services that include physician, nursing and other health services to inpatients and the specialized accommodation services required by inpatients. Hospitals may also provide outpatient services as a secondary activity.

Establishments in the hospitals subsector provide inpatient health services, many of which can only be provided using the specialized facilities and equipment that form a significant and integral part of the production process.

Respiratory Protection – This standard refers to respirators use to protect employees from hazardous substances. Requirements of this standard include a written program, selection of respirators, medical evaluations, fit testing, safe operating procedures and training (29 CFR 1910.134).-$3,467*
COVID-19 Health Care – This standard refers to the requirements for health care services or health care support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. These requirements include developing a COVID-19 plan, screenings and management, personal protective equipment (PPE), transmission prevention, health screening, training, recordkeeping, reporting and vaccination (29 CFR 1910.502). –$1,383*
Electronic Submission of Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Illness/Injury Records to OSHA – This standard refers to the requirements for annual submission of the OSHA 300A logs. The requirements include who needs to submit the reports (29 CFR 1904.41). –$1,223*
Bloodborne Pathogens – This standard refers to the prevention of occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Requirements include exposure control, training and compliance, vaccination evaluations and follow-up, hazard communication and recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.1030). –$2,048*
Reporting Fatalities, Hospitalizations, Amputations and Losses of an Eye – This standard covers types of injuries that require OSHA reporting. Fatalities must be reported within 8 hours, and hospitalizations, amputations and eye loss must be reported within 24 hours. (29 CFR 1904.39) –$4,379
OSHA Forms – This standard refers to the OSHA 300, 300-A and 301 forms. Requirements include implementing the records and maintaining them, and protecting privacy (29 CFR 1904.29). –$1,174*
Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) – Control of hazardous energy is the practice of de-energizing equipment and locking the energy source to prevent release of energy. Requirements include written procedures, training and periodic inspection (29 CFR 1910.147). –$5,851
Recording Fatalities, Injuries and Illness Criteria – This standard covers types of injuries that require OSHA recording. Employers are required to record fatalities, injuries and illnesses that are new work-related cases (29 CFR 1904.4). –$559*
Annual Summary – This standard requires an annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses. It is commonly referred to as the OSHA 300 log. Requirements include creating, reviewing and posting the OSHA 300 log (29 CFR 1904.32). –$907*
General Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements – This standard refers to providing, managing and maintaining the proper personal protective equipment for employees. Requirements include identifying required PPE, maintenance, sanitation, replacement and training (29 CFR 1910.132). –$2,771

*ACV (Average Cost per Violation) – The dollar amount represents the average cost per violation that employers in this industry paid in 2022. To understand the full capacity and scope of each standard, click on the standard number to visit www.osha.gov and view the language in its entirety. Source: OSHA.gov.

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This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.