Cal-OSHA fines police department, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities for COVID-19 violations

Cal/OSHA has cited six Bay Area employers including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and a police department for failing to protect their employees from COVID-19. The employers listed below were cited for various health and safety violations including some classified as serious, with proposed penalties ranging from $2,060 to $32,000, according to KYVU TV.

The state agency that oversees worker safety has cited six Bay Area employers including the Santa Rosa Police Department, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and skilled nursing facilities for failing to protect their employees from COVID-19,

Overall, the six Bay Area employers were ordered to pay fines for not protecting workers from exposure to COVID-19 because Cal-OSHA said they did not take steps to update their workplace safety plans to properly address hazards related to the virus. Each employer has the right to appeal the citation.

Cal-OSHA pointed out that all employers, especially if high-risk public service, must ensure workplace safety for their employees.

“Workers in health care and public safety are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 and employers must put in place measures to protect these essential personnel,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker.