Maine Mental Health Hospital Fined for Safety

The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration is fining a Maine mental health hospital $11,700 for failing to provide a safe workplace for its employees.

The OSHA investigation into the Bangor-based Acadia Hospital determined it failed to provide a safe workplace for employees and it faulted the hospital for inadequately documenting work-related injuries.

The investigation began after an employee complained of an increase in patient assaults and staff injuries in the wake of a stringent “no restraints” policy imposed by hospital management.

The Bangor Daily News says the first complaint elicited additional concerns from employees.