Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Investigation of Safety Complaint

Nurses deserve the appropriate PPE to safely care for our patients in this pandemic and today the state agency that investigates workplace safety violations agreed with nurses that Virginia Mason failed in its responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment.

WSNA filed a DOSH complaint after members described issues with inadequate PPE and improper training of PPE. Several nurse members were interviewed by DOSH as part of an investigation that wrapped up today with a closing conference. The willingness of nurses to speak out and work with your union in identifying workplace hazards resulted in an important finding and citation against Virginia Mason

At the conclusion of its investigation, DOSH classified Virginia Mason's failure to properly "train employees on use of PAPRs prior to use" as a "serious" violation of the law. WSNA anticipates DOSH will issue a formal Citation shortly, under which Virginia Mason would be subject to a monetary penalty and have 30 days to take corrective action. Virginia Mason would be required to train employees in person within 30 days, with hands-on training on the proper use of PAPRs; V-net postings and handouts would not suffice. Any Citation must be posted for three (3) working days, or until the violation has been corrected.

WSNA members continue to monitor and report on workplace safety violations in Local Units across the state. If necessary WSNA will file complaints with DOSH to protect the health and safety of nurse members. If you are concerned for your safety at work or if you have any questions or concerns, contact any of your Local Unit Officers below or Nurse Representative Michelle Moore, mmoore@wsna.org.

In Unity!

Janelle Coy, RN, Local Unit Chair janelle@coy.com
Kari Benning, RN, Local Unit Co-Chair karijo.benning@gmail.com
Suzanne Baek, RN, Local Unit Secretary/ Treasurer suzannebaek1@gmail.com
Sam Asencio, RN, Membership Officer samlijas@comcast.net
Susan Dunn, RN, Grievance ballardsue@yahoo.com
Michelle Moore WSNA Nurse Rep, mmoore@wsna.org