Trinity Health of New England faces scrutiny over how it handles worker injuries. Reports show the hospital has a higher rate of injuries than other facilities in the Catholic health system, prompting an investigation by OSHA.
Last year, an internal document from Trinity Health suggested ways to manage injuries without formally reporting them. For instance, instead of using a splint, staff were advised to use an ACE wrap since this doesn’t require reporting to OSHA. Similarly, the document encouraged using over-the-counter medication instead of prescription drugs to avoid triggering a report.
One emergency department staff member, who requested anonymity, expressed shock at these recommendations. They argued that patient care shouldn’t depend on how a situation looks on paper. “We should provide the best care possible, regardless of costs or reports,” the employee said.
Concerns over this approach led the Massachusetts Nurses Association to file a complaint. Union representatives worry that such guidelines compromise the quality of care and accurate injury reporting, which is crucial for identifying trends and preventing future incidents.
OSHA requires most workplace injuries to be reported, especially if they lead to time off work or more than first aid. The healthcare sector, particularly emergency care, reports one of the highest injury rates. Factors like increasing violence against healthcare workers compound this issue, according to various reports.
David Michaels, an expert in occupational health, reviewed the Trinity Health document and labeled it a misguided attempt to downplay injuries. He emphasized that proper reporting is essential for improving workplace safety. “This strategy does not prevent injuries; it conceals them,” he stated, noting that OSHA might view this stance as mismanagement.
The training document also covered various injury scenarios, providing specific advice on how to respond without triggering reports. For example, in cases of wrist injuries from lifting patients, using a simple wrap instead of a splint is recommended. This approach raises ethical questions about prioritizing reporting metrics over comprehensive care.
While the hospital maintains that it encourages injury reporting and follows necessary protocols, union leaders like Ron Patenaude criticize the guidelines for prioritizing data over worker welfare. “They’re trying to make their numbers look better, but at what cost?” Patenaude asked, highlighting the need for honest reporting to tackle real issues.
For now, the investigation continues as stakeholders await its outcome. The balance between effective care and proper reporting remains a hot topic among healthcare workers and administrators alike.
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