Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus, N.J., has hired a Washington, D.C.-based law firm to fight a proposed federal fine against the hospital after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the hospital for allegedly failing to protect employees from violent patients, according to a report from The Record.
BRMC had planned to meet informally to resolve issues cited by OSHA. However, the hospital will contest the case instead, said hospital spokeswoman Donnalee Corrieri, according to the report.
"Bergen Regional Medical Center remains confident that the medical center's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe environment for its patients, employees and guests will lead to a vindication," Ms. Corrieri added.
The hospital has hired Conn Maciel Cary, a boutique law firm focused on labor and employment, OSHA and litigation.
The hospital's decision to contest the case comes after federal officials found that at least eight employees were victims of violent patients during the time period of Feb. 22, 2015, through June 12, 2015. OSHA not only cited Bergen Regional for failing to keep the workplace free of hazards, but also for incorrectly recording workplace injuries on a federal form. The hospital faces $13,600 in penalties.
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