Covid-19 Highlights Necessity for Culture of Safety for Workers
Dec 13, 2021
In addition to facing the challenge of caring for and supporting vulnerable senior populations over the two-year span of the pandemic, another major consideration for senior living operators has been keeping workers safe since Covid-19 spread nationwide. While focusing on worker safety is always important in senior living, it has become acutely critical today.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a program in March a national emphasis program to focus on workplace inspections, outreach, and compliance assistance for companies where workers had a high risk of contracting Covid-19. Beyond the expected hotspots for Covid-19, such as manufacturing facilities and meatpacking plants, OSHA would also put a spotlight on assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities and others in health care. OSHA also reminded employers, as part of the Whistleblower Protection Program, that they should not retaliate against workers who lodged complaints about Covid-19 workplace safety. This announcement was a preview of what was to come.
On June 21, OSHA announced a new Emergency Temporary Standard to strengthen efforts to protect workers in health care settings. Too many of our frontline healthcare workers continue to be at high risk of contracting the coronavirus, said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in a press release announcing the ETS.
The emergency rule requires many health care employers to implement a written Covid-19 infection prevention program, report Covid-19 cases to OSHA, and pay workers who are unable to work due to Covid-19 symptoms. In the prevention plan, operators must cover areas of concern for certain medical procedures, physical distancing, physical barriers, personal protective equipment, cleaning, disinfection, ventilation, health screening, training, recordkeeping and reporting. The ETS also stated providers should encourage employees to get the Covid-19 vaccine; that encouragement later became a mandate.
While OSHA provided templates and guidance for compliance, the rapid deployment for the new standard caught many in senior living off guard. Organizations were expected to comply two weeks after the June 21 launch for some measures, 30 days for others. An estimated 10 million senior living workers fell under the new ETS, and despite pushback from senior living organizations such as LeadingAge and the American Health Care Association for operators to have more implementation time, the ETS was implemented without delay.
Size and Experience Mattered
Larger assisted living, memory care, home care and other senior living providers especially those affiliated with operators of long-term care facilities were able to cope with the ETS implementation because they have a framework for worker safety education and oversight in place. Over the last decade, nursing homes have seen increased scrutiny from OSHA for workplace safety, said Gloria Martinez, Director of Employee Safety for both WellAge Senior Living and Vivage Senior Living. Adjusting to these new measures was not as much a burden for our locations since we have systems in place.
Under the ETS brought on by Covid-19 concerns, OSHA inspectors are conducting on-site visits or remote inspections as needed. Typical triggers for an inspection are a staff complaint or outbreak at a facility. In addition, OSHA is scrutinizing the quality of the on-site safety coordinator in senior living communities. This extends to reviewing their training, experience and ability to dedicate the time necessary to the job. Martinez, who had more than 25 years as a safety and health professional (the last five in health care) before joining Vivage and WellAge, today oversees workplace safety at more than 40 facilities. In this role, she interprets OSHA standards for facility safety coordinators, provides training for supervisors at the communities, and develops everyday safety programs that benefit frontline workers.
Workplace safety is not a piece of paper, a policy or a procedure, she said. Its about developing a culture of health and safety by creating proactive safety programs.
While many organizations offer employees computer-based safety training, Martinez says in-person training is essential. She also said when the Covid-19 ETS guidance was released, it was much easier for her to roll out to facilities as systems and procedures were in place.
Safety Saves
OSHAs ETS for Covid-19 workplace safety comes with a bite from the Department of Labor. OSHA citations come with maximum penalties of $13,653 per violation, said Jon M. VonderHaar, a safety services consultant. Willful or repeated violations can amount to penalties 10 times that.
Martinez and VonderHaar emphasize that while the Covid-19 ETS is critical to comply with, having an overall culture focused on workplace safety is good for workers and good for business. They also stress creating a culture of safety must start with organizational leadership to be effective.
Businesses lacking safety practices have more injuries and these injuries have both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include workers compensation payments, medical expenses, and costs for legal services. Examples of indirect costs include training replacement employees, accident investigation and implementation of corrective measures, lost productivity, repairs of damaged equipment and property, and costs associated with lower employee morale and absenteeism. VonderHaar said there are numerous reports that indicate for every dollar spent on workplace safety, there is a return of $3 to $5.
While the Covid-19 ETS left some organizations scrambling this year, the larger issue is creating a culture of safety as a way of business, with formal training the norm and oversight in place internally so an organization can adjust as needed. Martinez calls this Prevention through Design, based on a Harvard Medical Practice Study that found having effective systems and controls in place can enhance worker safety. Having these systems and culture in place reduces an organizations risk exposure and helps maximize employee potential. In a business where our focus is helping seniors age well and live well, having motivated staff who feel safe is a difference maker.
Written By: Margie Guerrieri is the Regional Marketing and Sales Director for WellAge Senior Living, a Colorado-based senior living management company. Visitwellageseniorsolutions.com.
Other Articles You May Like
The Bridge to Independence: A Story of Integrated Care in Colorado
For years, home was a place that felt more like a memory than a reality for one senior who spent most of his time moving between hospitals and rehab centers. As someone relying on Health First Colorado, his healthcare journey was often exhausting and repetitive until he found a way to bridge the gap between needing help and wanting to stay in his own favorite chair.A Lifeline through Colorado Medicaid Remote Support ServicesEverything changed when he started a new routine that combined four hours of daily help from a caregiver with the around the clock security of Colorado Medicaid remote support services. While his caregiver focused on making sure his home was clean and his meals were delicious, the remote support team acted like a quiet guardian watching over him through the day and night. By using simple devices to check his blood pressure and oxygen levels, he was never truly alone, and his remote coordinators became familiar voices who checked in on him with a friendly call every single day.Technology that Catches the Small DetailsThe true value of this hybrid care became clear when his daily vitals showed a trend that no one would have noticed otherwise. His remote team saw his blood pressure was dropping to a level that made him feel lightheaded, and they immediately coordinated with his doctor to adjust his medication before he could have a dangerous fall. Even during a sudden bout with an infection, he was able to use his emergency button to keep everyone informed while he was being helped by paramedics, ensuring that his care team was right there with him every step of the way.Six Months of Staying Home After a lifetime of being told he needed to be in a facility, he has now spent six months thriving in his own home with only one very short hospital stay. This story proves that when we combine human heart with the power of technology, staying home is not just a dream but a reality that is accessible through programs like Colorado Medicaid.
A Path to Wellness: Care That Continues at Home
Returning home from a hospital stay can challenge anyone, especially people with chronic conditions. For Colorado Medicaid members, Remote Support Services simplify this transition. Our program provides comprehensive support right in your home, ensuring a smooth and safe return to your daily life. We use technology to monitor your health, empowering you to take an active role in your wellness journey and prevent future complications.Our Post-Hospitalization ProcedureOur simple process focuses on your well-being: Initial Contact: A member or family member contacts our agency to discuss their needs. Service Determination: We assess the members condition and decide if our chronic disease management services are right for them. Coordination with County/Case Manager: We contact the members case manager or county to confirm their benefits are initiated or enrolled. This step ensures a seamless process and proper coverage under Health First Colorado, the states Medicaid program. Initiating Remote Monitoring: Once we have confirmation, we start the member on remote monitoring to ensure their safety and track their progress. This allows us to proactively address any potential issues. Continuation Discussion: After the initial three-month period, we discuss continuing services to ensure the member continues receiving the care they need to maintain their health. How We Monitor Your HealthOur remote monitoring program uses easy-to-use, at-home equipment to help you track your health vitals and communicate with your care team. The program combines devices and daily check-ins: Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff: For those with hypertension or heart conditions, this device automatically sends your blood pressure readings to us, giving us a continuous picture of your cardiovascular health. Bluetooth-enabled weight scale: We use this to monitor for sudden weight changes. For conditions like heart failure, a significant, rapid weight increase can signal fluid retention and may need prompt attention. Pulse oximeter: This small device clips onto your finger to measure your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. Its especially useful for managing conditions that affect breathing, such as COPD or asthma, and provides a quick look at how well oxygen gets to your body. Daily phone questionnaire: You will have a brief daily check-in with your remote care coordinator by phone. This allows you to report on how youre feeling, discuss symptoms, and ask questions. This personal touch ensures we can provide timely support and adjust your care plan as needed. This regular monitoring allows our team to identify changes and intervene early, preventing complications and giving you a sense of security at home.Benefits of Chronic Disease ManagementOur chronic disease management program offers significant benefits to Colorado Medicaid members: Improved Health Outcomes: With continuous, proactive management, members can better control their chronic conditions, reducing the risk of complications and future hospitalizations. Enhanced Access to Care: Using technology and telehealth services, our program helps overcome barriers to care, ensuring members have timely access to medical advice and support. This particularly benefits those in rural or underserved areas of Colorado. Better Care Coordination: Our team serves as a central point of contact, facilitating communication between all healthcare providers involved in a members care. This ensures a well-coordinated treatment plan and effective communication of any changes. Increased Patient Engagement: By regularly monitoring their vitals, members become more engaged and knowledgeable about their own health. This empowers them to make better lifestyle choices and stick to their treatment plan. ConclusionOur remote support program provides seamless, personalized care for Colorado Medicaid members after a hospital stay. This approach benefits both the individual, by empowering them to manage their health safely at home, and the healthcare system, by ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively. If you or a loved one are a Colorado Medicaid member returning from the hospital, our remote supports program can be a critical step toward long-term wellness and independence.
How Stone Law, LLC Helps Families Protect What Matters Most
When Denver families begin planning for the futurewhether theyre preparing documents for aging parents, navigating a sudden life transition, or simply wanting to ensure their assets are handled responsiblytrust management becomes more than a legal service. It becomes a relationship built on clarity, confidence, and compassion.In a growing city like Denver, where multigenerational households, blended families, and retirees all share the landscape, the need for thoughtful estate and trust guidance continues to rise. Stone Law, LLC, located in the heart of Denver, has become a steady and reliable resource for families who want to preserve harmony and protect their loved ones through every season of life.This article explores what makes trust management so essential, why Denver residents are turning to community-rooted firms like Stone Law, LLC, and how their approach blends professionalism with deep personal care.Why Trust Management Matters More Than Ever in DenverDenvers demographics have been shifting for years. With a growing population of retirees, tech-industry professionals, lifelong Coloradans, and newcomers arriving from across the country, estate planning is no longer one-size-fits-all. Many residents have questions such as: Who will manage my assets if I become unable to do so? How do I ensure my wishes are carried out carefully and correctly? How can I help my family avoid conflict or confusion during difficult times? Trust management provides the structure that keeps families protected and ensures transitions happen as smoothly as possible. When done well, it relieves stress and gives people peace of mind that someone they trust has their best interests at heart.In Denverwhere the cost of living continues to rise, property values are high, and family structures vary widelythoughtful, personalized legal support becomes essential to safeguarding the future.Stone Law, LLC: A Local Practice with Deep Colorado ValuesWhat sets Stone Law, LLC apart is not just their legal experience, but their reputation for treating each family as if they were their own. Trust management requires sensitivity, steadiness, and a clear understanding of both legal frameworks and human dynamics. The team at Stone Law brings all of this to the table.Denver residents often describe the firm as approachable and groundedqualities that can make all the difference when discussing topics that are deeply personal. Their office supports clients with: Trust administration and oversight Successor trustee guidance Asset distribution clarity Documentation support and legal compliance Communication and conflict-reduction among beneficiaries But beyond the legal services, what clients appreciate most is the calm, steady reassurance that comes with having a firm local to Denver, knowledgeable about Colorado law, and deeply familiar with the needs of Colorado families.A Supportive Approach That Puts Families FirstStone Laws philosophy revolves around communication and claritytwo components that are especially important in trust management, where misunderstandings can have lasting consequences.The team prides itself on breaking down legal jargon so families can make decisions with confidence. They take time during their consultations to understand family relationships, long-term goals, financial concerns, and personal wishes.Whether a family is navigating a newly established trust, managing responsibilities for an aging parent, or resolving questions during a major life change, Stone Law, LLC focuses on: Step-by-step education Compassionate listening Transparent processes Ongoing communication Customized guidance tailored to the familys unique dynamics This human-centered approach is one of the reasons local families consistently return to the firm or refer loved ones."Were Here to Simplify a Complicated Time": A Message from Angela StoneWhen asked about the heart behind their work, Angela Stone, office manager at Stone Law, LLC, shared a message that reflects the firms guiding philosophy: Families come to us during some of the most importantand sometimes emotionalmoments of their lives. Our goal is to simplify a complicated process and give them confidence that everything will be handled with care. Trust management isnt just paperwork. Its about honoring someones wishes and easing the burden on their loved ones. Her perspective aligns with the firms commitment to making trust administration as smooth and stress-free as possible, no matter the situation.Denver Context: Why Local Expertise MattersTrust laws can vary significantly from state to state, which makes local legal insight especially valuable. Colorado has unique tax considerations, timelines, and administrative requirements that families need to navigate correctly.Families in Denver often seek Stone Law, LLC because they are: Familiar with Colorados probate and trust regulations Experienced in navigating trusts that involve property across multiple counties, including Denver County, Arapahoe County, and Jefferson County Well-versed in family-owned business succession common in Colorado Comfortable working with families who own multiple properties, including cabins in the mountains or vacation homes Sensitive to Denvers cultural diversity and shifting demographics Denvers unique blend of outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, modern professionals, and long-established families means no two trust situations look the same. Having a locally grounded firm ensures guidance that fits the realities of livingand agingin Colorado.When to Seek Help with Trust ManagementMany families arent sure when to involve a trust management professional. Stone Law, LLC encourages clients to reach out when: A loved one becomes unable to manage their affairs A successor trustee is unsure of their duties Beneficiaries have questions or concerns A trust involves multiple properties or business assets A family wants to minimize conflict or confusion A major life eventsuch as a move, marriage, or passingrequires updates Getting support early helps avoid mistakes, delays, or emotional stress later on.What Denver Families Can Expect Working with Stone Law, LLCStone Law is known for creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. When working with their team, families typically experience:Clear CommunicationThey translate legal requirements into plain language so everyone understands their role.Guided Next StepsFamilies leave meetings knowing exactly what needs to happen and when.Proactive Problem-SolvingThe firm anticipates potential issues and addresses them before they escalate.Respect and CompassionThey recognize that trust management often intersects with grief, transition, or uncertainty.Long-Term Relationship SupportMany clients return for additional estate planning, updates, or future guidance.FAQs About Trust Management in Denver1. Do I need a lawyer to manage a trust in Colorado?While its not legally required, professional guidance helps ensure proper administration, legal compliance, and reduced risk of misunderstandings or disputes.2. What happens if Im named a trustee but dont know what to do?Stone Law, LLC provides step-by-step guidance so you can carry out your responsibilities confidently and correctly.3. Can trust management help prevent family conflict?Yes. Clear communication, structured processes, and legal oversight significantly reduce confusion and disagreements among beneficiaries.4. How is trust management different from probate?Trusts often allow families to avoid probate, but they still require organized administration, documentation, and proper distribution of assets.5. Does Stone Law work with families outside Denver?Although based in Denver, the firm assists clients throughout Colorado and supports families with multi-county or multi-property estates.Take the Next Step Toward Peace of MindTrust management does more than protect assetsit protects relationships, legacies, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your wishes will be honored. To learn more or connect directly with Stone Law, LLC, visit their Seniors Blue Book listing