Workplace Violence Rule Broad, Duplicative, Business Panel Says

A proposed federal rule aimed at preventing workplace violence incidents in hospitals could duplicate or conflict with existing accreditation requirements, according to an OSHA report detailing employers’ concerns.

Employers also expressed concern that the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s definition of workplace violence would be too broad if it included verbal threats, the report from OSHA’s Small Business Advocacy Review Panel said.

The workplace violence rule, as proposed, would cover hospitals, mental health providers, nursing homes, and social service providers. OSHA has yet to issue the text of the draft rule but has outlined potential requirements for the standard. ...