Despite the many sources of uncertainty swirling through institutional and commercial facilities these days, workplace safety remains a high priority. More than ever, employees are looking for evidence that employers prioritize the safety of workplaces. Many organizations have responded to the challenge with investments in facilities and safety, but not all have done so. In the case of one Massachusetts facility, the fallout has affected the bottom line.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently hit a Fall River, Massachusetts, assisted living facility with fines after a deadly fire this past summer. Ten residents died after the blaze tore through the Gabriel House in July, and dozens were injured and displaced.
OSHA investigators identified 13 workplace-related violations, and 11 of them are considered serious. Penalties totaled $186,778. Violations included these:
Video showing evidence of recalled sprinklers in the facility. They were never replaced. Last month, a state commission released its report on assisted living facilities, calling for better fire safety and emergency preparedness standards.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
