Panic Alarm Buttons Vital Following $163K OSHA Fine

The tragic passing of Joyce Grayson, a dedicated licensed practical nurse, during a routine home visit, highlights the significant risks faced by lone healthcare workers. Following an OSHA investigation, Elara Caring has received a huge, groundbreaking fine totaling $163,627 and stated that emergency panic alert buttons should have been provided (among other measures) to reduce risk.

In a statement, Charles D. McGrevy, OSHA’s Hartford, Connecticut, area office director, said: “Elara Caring failed its legal duty to protect employees from workplace injury by not having effective measures in place to protect employees against a known hazard, and it cost a worker her life."

How could Elara Caring have reduced the risk of workplace violence?

The fines against Jordan Health Care Inc. and New England Home Care Inc., operating as Elara Caring, highlight the failure of some providers to adequately safeguard their employees.

OSHA's findings suggest actionable measures that could have reduced the hazard of workplace violence by:

• Performing Root Cause Analyses: Conducting thorough root cause analyses of incidents of violence and near misses is essential for understanding underlying factors and preventing future occurrences.
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• Providing Comprehensive Background Information: Equipping clinicians with comprehensive background information on patients before home visits enhances risk assessment and preparation.
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• Implementing Emergency Panic Alert Buttons: Panic Button alarm devices, such as those available through SoloProtect, are essential for mitigating risks. Equipping healthcare workers with panic buttons enables swift response during hazardous situations, offering reassurance and security.
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• Developing Procedures for Safety Escorts: Establishing clear procedures for the use of safety escorts during visits to patients with high-risk behaviors is essential for clinician safety.

How can other healthcare organizations avoid such hefty fines?

Stephen Luke, President at SoloProtect US and a leading figure in the lone worker safety industry, commented: "It's really sad to hear of incidents that could have been prevented if action had been taken ahead of time.

"This crippling fine from OSHA is unprecedented and is understandably causing healthcare providers to sit up and take note. Unfortunately, if OSHA's suggested safety measures are not implemented in healthcare organizations across the country, what happened to Joyce will happen again and more fines will be issued. Our hearts go out to Joyce and her family and friends at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.

"I encourage all healthcare organizations to review their lone worker risk assessments and lone working policies to ensure they have implemented appropriate mitigations in line with OSHA's suggestions."

How can SoloProtect help organizations to improve workplace safety in line with OSHA's suggestions?

As explained by OSHA, panic alarm devices (also known as emergency alert systems) can be an effective way to reduce the risk and impact of workplace violence, abuse or aggression. By providing your team with SoloProtect panic buttons, workers can quickly, easily and discreetly call for help in an emergency. Equipped with GPS and 4G roaming SIMs, the devices connect to a Monitoring Center where specially trained operators can listen in, locate the device and send help to where it's needed.

Mr. Luke continues: "These safety devices remove the need for the user to call 911 which can sometimes be an aggravating factor in an aggressive or violent situation. It offers both managers and workers, the reassurance that help is only discreet a button-press away."

Explore SoloProtect's panic buttons

SoloProtect encourages employers in the healthcare industry to prioritize the adoption of panic alarm systems and comprehensive safety measures to safeguard the welfare of lone workers.

To explore our range of lone worker safety panic alarms and learn how they can benefit your organization, view our devices.

Alternatively, you can book a demo to experience firsthand how our solutions can enhance workplace safety and support your employees.

SoloProtect is also offering exclusive discounts to healthcare organizations throughout May 2024 in support of Nurses Month in the US.

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