Louisiana Health System Cited for Coronavirus Safety Violations
A healthcare system in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been cited by federal workplace safety officials for failing to protect employees from coronavirus exposure.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System for failing to ensure employees wore proper protective equipment. OSHA has proposed $13,494 in penalties, the maximum allowed by law for a serious citation.
OSHA opened a coronavirus–related investigation after receiving reports of employee exposure. The agency found that emergency facility employees often shared used protective gowns or did not have protective gowns to wear while treating patients.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citation and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Source: OSHA