Feds: Howell Facility’s Lax COVID Measures Led To Worker Death

HOWELL, NJ - Following the coronavirus-related deaths of two workers within a New Jersey healthcare system - including one location in Howell Township - an OSHA investigation has concluded that the provider failed to take adequate measures to protect its employees from COVID-19 exposure.

An OSHA investigation came following two workers’ deaths amid outbreaks in Howell and Lumberton Oaks Integrated Care facilities in March 2021, a release from the U.S. Department of Labor said.

Oaks Integrated Care offers healthcare services in 19 New Jersey counties for adults, children and families with mental illness, addiction or developmental disabilities.

The subsequent investigation found that both Howell and Lumberton facilities did not “develop and implement timely and effective measures” to stop the spread of the virus at its Bock Bay group home in Howell and the Pat LeBon Center in Lumberton, according to the release.

In addition, the healthcare provider also “failed to identify and isolate clients suspected of having the coronavirus who resided in its group homes, and did not adequately inform staff who worked with these clients about the associated risks.”

The facilities additionally failed to develop and implement a respiratory protection program, did not provide certified respirators to employees who provided care to confirmed coronavirus-positive clients, did not provide workers with fit tests or medical evaluations to ensure effective use of the required respirators and did not provide effective training in the use, cleaning and storage of a respirator, the U.S. Department of Labor said.

As a result of the lax efforts, two employees - one at each location - were exposed to and succumbed to the coronavirus. The outbreaks also exposed workers at other Oaks Integrated Care group homes, including Turner Lane Group Home, Evergreen Manor Group Home, R.I.S.E., Jerry Gavin House and the Martha’s Boulevard Group Home, the U.S. Department of Labor said.

Oaks Integrated Care was issued a serious violation of the respiratory protection standard and a serious violation of the general duty clause (which requires employers to ensure workplaces are free of recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm). The proposed penalties issued to the healthcare provider total $27,306.

“Healthcare workers must have increased protections since they face the greatest risks of coronavirus exposure,” said OSHA’s Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick. “Employers in the healthcare and long-term care industries have an obligation to ensure effective safeguards and controls are in place to protect employees, patients and others from infection and further spread of the coronavirus.”

The facility now 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.