Nursing staff are out in the frigid temperatures, rain, and wind with temperatures in the 30s without adequate heating, cover (protection), and breaks from the elements in order to give the COVID-19 vaccine. Staff that have been assigned outdoors for vaccine administration work from 8am to 4pm
in those temperatures. They are not being rotated with staff who are located in the facility who are mixing the vaccine and who are capable of rotating and giving vaccine. Staff assignments are not rotated daily or even partial days, so employees who are outside in the elements are continually outside and those assigned indoors are not required to provide relief to those outdoors. The staff is not being protected from the elements effectively, are not being treated fairly to protect their health and well-being. The staffing situation would allow the indoor staff and outdoor staff to rotate with proper training as they have similar credentials. There are many staff with health conditions who do not need to be continually subjected to the elements without adequate provisions, shelter, and warmth. Heaters that were set up for the outdoor staff were inadequate and staff were told by supervisor to "not turn the heaters on high or they will run out of propane." The heat generated at the lower settings did not provide any substantial heat. Staff are cold and on their feet outdoors the majority of their shift from 8am to 5pm other than the 10 minute break they get for lunch. The staff's heaters ran out of propane for several hours. Then when a replacement was brought and the flame from the heater went out, management did not relight it because they did not have a lighter. Social distancing is not being enforced, mask wearing is not fully enforced, and several staff have gotten COVID and those who had been in contact with those positives were not allowed to quarantine, nor work from home. Staff have been told that they will NOT be allowed to take paid time off/vacation time for the next 3 months. In the past, there have been multiple safety hazards surrounding infection control with this agency that is allowed to continue despite it being called to management's attention. Multiple attempts from medical staff of the health department have voiced their concern to the supervisory staff but have not had any productive change occur. The Health Department does not have a true Human Resources or formal complaint/concern department and those who may appear to have that "role" within the local Health Department do not attempt to create any change. Location: Bristol Motor Speedway
Source: Osha.gov | Receipt Date: 2021-01-11
Source: Osha.gov | Receipt Date: 2021-01-11
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