Region 7 News Release:   KC-OSHA-11
Date: Mon, June 10, 2002
Contact: Norma Conrad
Phone: 816-426-5491

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The failure of a Plattsmouth, Neb., nursing home to protect employees from safety and health hazards has resulted in federal citations for alleged serious and repeat violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, under its Site Specific Targeting Program, initiated a comprehensive inspection at Plattsmouth Manor in December, according to OSHA Regional Administrator Charles E. Adkins, CIH. Citations were issued for 6 alleged serious and 6 repeat violations, with a proposed penalty of $108,500.

The alleged serious violations are for improper use of flexible electrical cords; improper storage of compressed gas (oxygen); failure to ensure that a radial arm saw met the requirements of the standard; failure to provide proper personal protective equipment; and failure to ensure that employees requiring the Hepatitis B vaccine also received the titration test.

The alleged repeat violations are for the employer's failure to ensure that rooms are kept clean, orderly, and in a sanitary condition; failure to ensure that an emergency eyewash is in the area of corrosive chemical use; failure to ensure that live electrical parts are guarded against contact; failure to ensure that electrical fixtures are approved for wet/damp locations; a flexible cord run through a doorway; and failure to have employees who declined the Hepatitis B vaccine sign a declination sheet.

OSHA defines a serious violation as one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazardous condition, and that the employer knew or should have known of the hazard. Repeat violations are previously cited standards against a company which again are observed as violated.

Plattsmouth Manor, which is owned and operated by Beverly Healthcare, has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply with them, hold an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, said Adkins.

This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: 816-426-5481, TDD* Message Referral Phone No. 1-800-347-8032. *Telecommunications Device for the Deaf