Sec. 241.029.  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO WORKPLACE SAFETY.  (a)  The governing body of a hospital shall adopt policies and procedures related to the work environment for nurses to:
(1)  improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of injury, occupational illness, and violence;  and
(2)  increase the use of ergonomic principles and ergonomically designed devices to reduce injury and fatigue.
(b)  The policies and procedures adopted under Subsection (a), at a minimum, must include:
(1)  evaluating new products and technology that incorporate ergonomic principles;
(2)  educating nurses in the application of ergonomic practices;
(3)  conducting workplace audits to identify areas of risk of injury, occupational illness, or violence and recommending ways to reduce those risks;
(4)  controlling access to those areas identified as having a high risk of violence;  and
(5)  promptly reporting crimes committed against nurses to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 876, Sec. 13, eff. June 20, 2003.