Sunday, October 7, 2018

OSHA cited KidsPeace Inc. for exposing employees to workplace violence hazards at two behavioral and mental health facilities in Orefield, Pennsylvania.






U.S. Department of Labor Cites Pennsylvania Youth Healthcare Operators for Exposing Employees to Workplace Violence Hazards


SCHNECKSVILLE, PA – 


The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited KidsPeace Inc. for exposing employees to workplace violence hazards at two behavioral and mental health facilities in Orefield, Pennsylvania. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $29,010.

OSHA inspectors investigated KidsPeace Children's Hospital Inc. and KidsPeace National Centers of North America Inc. – both owned by KidsPeace Inc. – after identifying several workplace incidents. Inspectors found that the employer exposed employees on a daily basis to physical assault, including punching, kicking, and biting, and suffered from concussions and lacerations. OSHA cited the company for failing to adequately address employee exposure to workplace violence hazards.

KidsPeace Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.




KidsPeace Psychiatric Hospital 5300 KidsPeace Drive Orefield, PA 18069
To make a referral for treatment, please call 800-854-3123

KidsPeace Psychiatric Hospital is a one-of-a-kind hospital, dedicated solely to healing and addressing the unique mental and behavioral health care needs of children and young adults experiencing severe crises. The 120-bed hospital is located in Orefield, Pa., on the Orchard Hills Campus, a safe, secure countryside setting of more than 260 acres. On-site classrooms, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities and common rooms contribute to a structured environment where kids feel supported and protected. With unique short-term programs tailored to children, teenagers and young adults ages 18-20 and 6 months, KidsPeace Psychiatric Hospital brings hope to clients who were once considered unreachable. KidsPeace Hospital is pleased to be a member of the Health Care Council of the Lehigh Valley.

“The KidsPeace Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Department utilizes an evidenced based approach devoted to both understanding and improving our client’s behavior.  Every client’s ABA involvement is individualized based on their presenting behaviors of concern.  KidsPeace has a team of analysts in each of our three residential centers who are overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.”