Mechanical Lifts Not Maintained in Safe Working Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain mechanical lifts in safe working condition for four residents who required their use. Multiple CNAs reported and were observed struggling to maneuver a mechanical lift whose right leg would swing out unexpectedly without the use of controls, requiring staff to physically kick it back into place. The issue had been ongoing for several weeks, with the word "BAD" written on the malfunctioning leg to indicate its condition. Staff also reported that the lift sometimes failed to move up or down, possibly due to a short circuit, and that the other available lift had similar issues. Residents who depended on the lifts expressed fear and discomfort during transfers, with one resident stating she sometimes could not get out of bed for days due to lift problems, dead batteries, or lack of slings and staff. Despite these ongoing issues, the facility's process for reporting and addressing equipment problems was ineffective. CNAs stated they had notified maintenance, but the administrator was unaware of any work orders for the lifts and had not received reports of the problems. The facility's policy required routine maintenance checks by nursing and maintenance staff to ensure equipment remained in good working order, but this was not followed, resulting in continued use of unsafe equipment and inadequate communication regarding equipment failures.