A long-term care advocacy organization is taking its worker-safety partnership with the federal government to the next level.
The Colorado Health Care Association and Center for Assisted Living, the state affiliate of the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, has shared an alliance with the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration since 2013 to share information guidance and access to training resources with Colorado long-term care workers. The alignment helps operators address occupational hazards, and promote an understanding of the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The two sides agreed to continue maintaining a collaborative relationship by entering into an Alliance Program Ambassador Relationship earlier this month.
Ambassador-level alliances involve groups working collaboratively with OSHA on safety and health issues raised by stakeholders. OSHA typically works with unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations and educational institutions.
Through these alliances, the two sides work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.
“OSHA and the Colorado Health Care Association join in the commitment to protect nursing home and assisted living care workers in Colorado from serious hazards encountered in this industry so they can go home safely every day,” OSHA Regional Administrator Jennifer Rous said in a statement.
Specifically, COHCA committed to sharing information with members and stakeholders on OSHA’s national initiatives, and occupational safety and health laws. COHCA also will share information with OSHA on best practices.
Unlike the previous basic alliance agreement, the ambassador relationship remains in effect until terminated by one or both parties.
The two sides signed an initial two-year agreement in 2008 focusing on prevention of infection from bloodborne pathogens; slip, trip and fall hazards; workplace violence; and other safety and health issues common to long-term care workers. A 2010 report summarizing the alliance concluded that it was not “particularly effective,” but COHCA indicted a desire continue the alliance.
The agreement was renewed in 2011, 2013 and 2015, this time focusing on resident handling hazards; slip, trip and fall prevention; workplace violence; OSHA recordkeeping; electrical safety and safe work practices.
A 2017 report on the alliance indicated emphasis on communicating about enforcement and expectations for the long-term care industry, adding that OHSA observed a “consistent level of compliance with the standards” during environment inspections. The alliance was again renewed later that year.
