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