DOL Calls for Prevention of Worker Injuries and Illnesses in Health Care Sector

After increased work during the coronavirus, U.S. workers in the health care industry experienced a 249% increase in injuries and illnesses in 2020, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. To protect frontline workers who cared for the ill and cleaned and maintained health care facilities during the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) called on employers to take immediate action to reduce worker injuries and illness.

OSHA recommends that employers create and use a proactive safety and health program to address hazards, such as illnesses from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and ergonomic injuries related to repetitive tasks. The administration has set up a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) to endorse training and preventive measures that keep workers safe.

Employers participating in the SHARP program have set up solutions to keep worker illness and injury below the industry average. OSHA recognizes participants’ efforts and renews their SHARP status as they continue to keep worker injury and illness rates low.