Combined Assessment Program Summary Report - Construction Safety at Veterans Health Administration Facilities

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
14-01288-145
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
5
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The purpose of the review was to determine whether Veterans Health Administration facilities had developed effective construction safety programs that provided a safe environment for patients, employees, and visitors during construction and renovation activities in patient care areas. OIG performed this review in conjunction with 27 Combined Assessment Program reviews of Veterans Health Administration medical facilities conducted from October 1, 2012, through September 30, 2013. OIG identified opportunities for improvement in site inspections, contractor tuberculosis risk assessments, committee oversight, training, and documentation and made five recommendations.

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility leaders, ensures that inspections are completed at the designated frequency and by required members, that all required elements are documented, and that construction sites comply with applicable VA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility leaders, ensures that contractor tuberculosis risk assessments are conducted.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility leaders, ensures that facilities establish Construction Safety Committees; develop and implement written policies addressing committee responsibilities; assure required committee membership and participation; and ensure meeting minutes include consistent documentation of inspection results, follow-up actions to resolve unsafe conditions, and tracking of actions to completion.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility leaders, ensures that Infection Control Committee meeting minutes include consistent documentation of construction-related infection control surveillance activities and any necessary follow-up actions to identified trends or problems.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Network and facility leaders, ensures that designated facility staff receive required initial and biennial construction safety training.