By HFT Staff

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a Columbus, Ohio hospital for failing to protect its employees from patients whose bites, kicks, punches and other assaults caused serious injuries.  

Following a complaint of unsafe working conditions, an investigation occurred at the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in November 2022.  OSHA determined the facility did not protect its employees from violent incidents involving the hospital’s patients. Staff reportedly suffered concussions, lacerations, contusions and sprains. The agency also learned the facility failed to keep proper records of employees injuries as required.  

The Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion at Nationwide Children's Hospital provides acute behavioral health services with intensive outpatient programs 

The facility was cited for one serious violation and one other-than-serious violation and proposed $18,000 in penalties. The company has 15 days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.