Two complaints about workplace violence at a Colorado nursing home led OSHA investigators to uncover many more incidents – not all of them reported.

The investigation at the Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford was opened in August 2017, based on two complaints. OSHA subsequently identified five documented incidents of workplace violence in 2017 that resulted in employee injuries, along with several unreported incidents.
Pioneer was cited for failing to protect employees from violence in the workplace. The nursing home faces proposed penalties of $9,054.

OSHA issued one serious citation for failing to implement adequate measures to protect employees from workplace violence hazards against Pioneer, which provides residential services that mostly consist of long-term care and mental health services.

“Employers are responsible for providing employees a safe and healthy workplace,” said OSHA’s Englewood Area Director David Nelson. “Pioneer Health Care Center must understand that their employees’ safety is important.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Read the citations.