New OSHA SST Inspection Directive

The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) has issued its 2010 site specific targeting (SST) directive. Inspection criteria include:
• The primary inspection criteria using the 2009 Data Collection Initiative will target healthcare facilities in SIC code 805 (which includes long term care) with a Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate at or above 16.0, or a Days Away From Work, Injury and Illness (DAFWII) case rate at or above 13.0 (only one of these criteria must be met.) 300 of the highest rated DART and DAFWII facilities will be surveyed under SST-10.
• A secondary inspection list will be created for healthcare facilities reporting DART rates of 13.0 or greater but less than 16.0, or a DAFWII case rate of 11.0 or greater but less than 13.0.
• As in past years, surveys of nursing and personal care facilities will focus on ergonomic stressors; exposure to blood and other potentially infections materials, as well as tuberculosis; and slips, trips, and falls. When additional hazards come to the attention of the compliance officer, the scope of the inspection may be expanded to include those hazards.
• When conditions indicate that a General Duty Clause citation relating to ergonomics may be warranted, the Area Office will contact the Regional Ergonomics Coordinator.

To view the directive in its entirety, go to http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02_10-06.pdf.