Actions

OSHA cites three more Florida workplaces with coronavirus-related violations

OSHA has seen a huge increase in complaints over COVID violations

By: Kylie McGivern

Posted

and last updated

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — As the push continues to protect Americans, getting vaccines into the arms of the most vulnerable, the federal government is going after workplaces for coronavirus safety violations — including three more here in Florida.

I-Team Investigator Kylie McGivern found more complaints pouring in.

Over the course of 11 months, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has received more than 14,000 coronavirus-related complaints.

The I-Team found OSHA received 633 of those complaints from Florida, 21 of them from Tampa alone.

Former OSHA head, unions: Feds aren’t doing enough to protect workers against COVID-19

“We are strictly about the patients, we want our patients to be safe," ICU nurse Judy Preuss said.

The I-Team first met Preuss in November, after her union, National Nurses United, filed an OSHA complaint against HCA medical centers and hospitals, including Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville.

The complaint said HCA failed "to notify or test all asymptomatic heathercare workers when they have been exposed to COVID-19 by their patients or co-workers."

An HCA spokesperson said it follows CDC guidance and is proud of its response to protect frontline workers.

OSHA's investigation into the complaint against HCA hospitals remains open.

“It’s gotten very, very hard. Very hard seeing so many sick people," Preuss told the I-Team.

OSHA has issued nearly $4 million in proposed penalties to 300 workplaces across the country.

Last month, a nursing home outside of Tallahassee and an assisted living facility in Deland made the list, joining five other Florida employers cited for coronavirus violations.

The violations include issues related to personal protective equipment (PPE) and reporting an injury, illness or fatality.