Florida medical center investigated for workplace violence

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A behavioral health and substance disorder facility in Jacksonville, Florida was investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to the investigation, employees at the UHS of Delaware Inc., which was operating as Wekiva Springs Hospital, endured regular and often intense incidents of workplace violence: reports of 182 alleged incidents in 2022, nearly 70 percent of which required police response in a six-month period and 10 alleged violent incidents in less than two months in late 2022.

In addition, OSHA determined the facility allowed behavioral mental health associates and nurses to be exposed to physical threats and assaults, such as being bitten, punched, kicked, scratched and spat upon by patients during routine interactions, daily activities and while providing care. Many of these alleged assaults led to sprains, contusions, lacerations, fractures and concussions.

OSHA issued Wekiva Springs Center, LLC a citation for a serious violation for its failure to provide a workplace free from recognized health and safety hazards which caused, or were likely to cause, serious physical harm or death. The agency has proposed $15,625 in penalties.

UHS of Delaware, Inc. has contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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