Ind. Labor Department launches safety initiative

Indiana Labor Department launches new health care workplace safety program

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) -- The Indiana Department of Labor has launched a new program aimed at reducing safety risks to health care workers.

The program will address the most common injuries and illnesses, including trips and falls, repetitive stress injuries, incidental needle sticks and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Health care has the second highest worker injury and illness rates in the state.

An outreach initiative will inform health care workers and employers of available resources. The department is targeting hospitals, nursing homes and residential care facilities.

Terre Haute's Union Hospital is the first collaborator in the program. The facility was recently recognized for its workplace safety programs.