OSHA cited Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y., and proposed penalties of $79,000 for two alleged repeat violations and 20 alleged serious violations of OSHA standards.
According to OSHA area director Richard Mendelson, the action resulted from an investigation conducted from Nov. 14 through March 7 following an employee complaint of unsafe conditions in the maintenance areas of the hospital''s physical plant.
The hospital was cited for two alleged repeat violations, carrying a total proposed penalty of $25,000, for low headroom in a fire exit access hallway and door and for exposed electrical connections.
Long Island College Hospital was previously cited for these conditions in March 2000.
The alleged serious violations for which the employer was cited included:
- failure to cover holes and openings in floors;
- failure to provide stairs where there was a break in floor level ranging from 24 inches to 42 inches;
- permitting wood and other material to be stored less than 18 inches from sprinkler head;
- failure to correct a fire door with a hole in it;
- failure to post exit signs;
- failure to provide maintenance personnel with hard hats and to assess other personal protective equipment;
- failure to maintain fire extinguishers in fully charged condition and in visible locations; and,
- using extension cords as permanent wiring.
The serious violations carry a total proposed penalty of $54,000. The hospital has until March 29 to contest the citations.
by Virginia Sutcliffe