Melbourne, Florida – The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has taken action against Circles of Care Inc., a provider of psychiatric and rehabilitation services, for the third time in five years. The organization was cited for safety violations following violent patient attacks resulting in worker fatalities and injuries.
OSHA’s recent citation against Circles of Care includes a “repeat” violation and an “other-than-serious” violation for failing to implement adequate safety measures to protect staff from aggressive patient behavior. Proposed penalties amount to $101,397.
The inspection leading to the citation was prompted by an incident in November 2023, where a worker was hospitalized after being assaulted by a patient using a metal hole punch. This attack left the mental health technician with injuries to the head, face, hands, and arms.
In addition to the recent incident, OSHA’s investigation uncovered two other serious incidents at the Melbourne facility in 2020. One involved the fatal shooting of a counselor by a former patient, while the other incident was an alleged assault.
Circles of Care, which operates multiple behavioral health and substance abuse facilities with approximately 480 employees in Florida, now faces the challenge of contesting the citation and proposed penalties within 15 business days.
The agency’s criticism of Circles of Care’s failure to protect its employees from known dangers underscores the importance of ensuring a safe working environment in healthcare settings. Director Erin Sanchez from the OSHA Orlando Area Office expressed shock at the company’s lack of safeguards against patient assaults.
This latest development emphasizes the ongoing need for healthcare facilities to prioritize employee safety and implement strategies to prevent workplace violence. As Circles of Care navigates the repercussions of these violations, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks healthcare workers face daily.