OSHA Cites Ambulance Service for Bloodborne Pathogen Hazards

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A Buffalo ambulance service's alleged failure to adequately protect its
workers against the hazards of bloodborne pathogens has resulted in $65,000 in proposed
fines from the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA).

LaSalle Ambulance, Inc., has been cited for alleged serious violations of the Occupational
Safety and Health Act following an OSHA inspection prompted by an employee complaint.
The company provides 911 ambulance service and patient transportation for Western
New York and is owned by Rural Metro Medical Services, which has operations in over 400
locations nationwide.

"OSHA standards spell out what employers must do to protect their workers against this
hazard, but they must be strictly followed to be effective," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's
Buffalo area director.

The citations address deficiencies in LaSalle's exposure control plan, engineering and work
practice controls, post-exposure follow-up procedures and employee information and
training.

Alleged violations include failure to:

-- Document conditions under which exposure to bloodborne hazards occurred;

-- Ensure timely provision of post-exposure medical treatment at no cost to employees;

-- Conduct post-exposure blood testing and give employees results and a healthcare
professional's opinion in a timely manner;

-- Review and update the company's written exposure control plan;

-- Solicit input from non-managerial employees in developing exposure controls;

-- Provide employees with proper syringes and hypodermic needles; and

-- Provide mechanical means for cleaning up blood-contaminated broken glass.

OSHA issues a serious citation for a violation when there is a substantial possibility that
death or serious physical harm can result to an employee from a hazard about which the
employer knew or should have known. Within 15 business days from receipt of citations,
the company may request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area
director or contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review
Commission.

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