OSHA states that a Florida mental health facility demonstrates ‘disinclination to safeguard’ workers

OSHA has proposed a significant fine of $101,397 for a mental health facility company in Melbourne, Florida, after the third known patient attack on an employee since 2020, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. The citation and notification of penalty with the proposed fine was issued to Circles of Care, located at 400 E. Sheridan Rd., in May. This action was taken six months after a patient used a metal hole punch to attack a mental health technician at a nurse’s workstation. The technician suffered injuries to the head, face, hands, and arms and was hospitalized. Circles of Care was also cited for failing to report the incident within 24 hours. Another worker sustained a cut to the hand while attempting to assist the patient.

Following an incident on June 1, 2022, at another facility owned by Circles of Care, just over a mile away, the company informally settled a $14,502 fine for $7,000. In December 2020, OSHA investigated an incident where a former patient shot an employee dead after a conversation, but Circles of Care was not fined on that occasion. OSHA Area Office Director Erin Sanchez expressed shock at Circles of Care’s failure to protect its employees from the recognized danger of patient assault, stating that such attacks can result in serious and even fatal harm to workers.

Despite attempts to contact Circles of Care for comment, Miami Herald phone calls and emails were unanswered. Online records show that another safety investigation was initiated by the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration after a March 5 incident. Those concerned about workplace safety can file complaints with OSHA online, by phone, fax, email, or by visiting a local OSHA office.