OSHA Cites Hospital for Failing to Keep Employees Safe from Patients

Staff members of Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion reportedly suffered concussions, lacerations and sprains from patients.

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.   

 

 



May 31, 2023


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

EV Charging Station Design: Ensuring Patient Access

The question is not whether to install charging infrastructure — the organization eventually will have to — but how to do it without disrupting patient care.


Sanford Health and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Merge

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will transition to the Sanford Health name and brand while preserving and expanding health services across the communities it serves.


Sedgebrook Falls Victim to Data Incident

The organization detected the event on May 5, 2025.


How Efficiency Checklists Help Hospitals Save Energy, Water and Money

Keith Edgerton explains how a simple, systematic tool can help healthcare facilities identify savings, support sustainability goals and reinvest in long-term decarbonization.


Designing with Heart: Seen Health Center Blends Cultural Warmth and Clinical Care

Case study: The Alhambra-based facility uses Wilsonart Woodgrains to create a space where comfort, tradition and durability come together for an elevated senior care experience.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.