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Hospital eTool
Scope
According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics in 2001 Hospitals reported 293,600 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses to their personnel. Among U.S. industries
with 100,000 or more injuries and illnesses, hospitals have the second highest rate of nonfatal injury or illness cases. Only Eating and
drinking places have more injuries and illnesses. The incidence rate for hospitals is 9.2 injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time
workers. The incident rate for industry as a whole is 6.1 injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers. During October 2000 through
September 2001, OSHA performed 103 inspection activities in
SIC code 806 - Hospitals. The most
frequently sited violations were bloodborne pathogens, lockout/tagout, and hazard communication.
OSHA is providing this computerized graphical eTool to help employers identify and address potential occupational hazards in hospitals.
This will be done through a comprehensive safety and health program approach.
This eTool will help employers in developing and implementing engineering and work practice controls which comply with OSHA requirements
and could be incorporated into a facility's safety and health plan to reduce the hazards of hospital work and improve worker safety.
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