RI Employer Accused Of 'Willfully' Exposing Workers To COVID-19

PROVIDENCE, RI — The owner of four medical facilities in Rhode Island was cited by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration "willfully exposed employees to the coronavirus" by refusing to implement safety protocols and interacting with workers after he exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 last fall. The facilities involved are North Providence Urgent Care Inc., North Providence Primary Care Associates Inc., Center of New England Urgent Care Inc. and Center of New England Primary Care Inc.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the owner later tested positive for the coronavirus after developing symptoms. Six employees later tested positive, as well.

The agency proposed a fine of more than $136,000 for failing to do the following:

• Implement infrastructure safety protocols, such as filtration systems and barriers between desks
• Implement cleaning and employee safety protocols, such as disinfection of surfaces and symptom screening
• Requiring contact tracing or quarantine protocols for employees exposed to COVID-19 by patients.

"This employer placed workers and others at risk of contracting the coronavirus. Employers have a responsibility to isolate workers and themselves if they show symptoms of the virus," said Robert Sestito, OSHA's Rhode Island area director. "Protecting employees and patients by implementing timely and effective safeguards and controls to minimize exposure is critical to mitigating the spread of the virus."

The owner has 15 days to respond to the citations, OSHA said, by complying, requesting a conference with the area director or contesting the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.