Failure to Maintain Vending Machine in Good Repair Creates Safety Hazard
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a vending machine in the resident dining room in good repair and free from hazard. During an inspection with the Maintenance Director and a kitchen staff member, it was observed that the vending machine had a broken plastic window screen and a note from the kitchen staff member requesting that issues with the machine be reported rather than further damaging the window. The Maintenance Director was not aware of the broken vending machine and acknowledged it posed a safety risk, as residents could potentially reach through the broken window and get hurt. The kitchen staff member stated that the vending machine had been in disrepair for two weeks. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff should have notified the maintenance department about the issue. A review of the facility's maintenance policy indicated that maintenance services are to be provided to all areas of the building and equipment, and that maintenance personnel are responsible for keeping the building in good repair and free from hazards.