Failure to Remove Damaged Mechanical Lift Slings from Service
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the environment was free from accident hazards by not removing worn and damaged mechanical lift slings from service for two residents who were totally dependent on staff for transfers. One resident, a male with cervical spinal stenosis, muscle weakness, and diabetes, was observed sitting in a wheelchair on a mechanical lift sling with a torn main strap, frayed loops, loose stitching, and an illegible care tag. The resident reported that the lift was not always used for transfers, but it was used on the day of observation due to his feeling weak. Another male resident with cerebral infarction, cerebral palsy, and anxiety was also found with a mechanical lift sling that had frayed loops, a torn main strap, a hole in the mesh body, loose stitching, and no care tag. Staff interviews confirmed that the damaged slings were in use and that there were 11 residents in the facility who required mechanical lifts for transfers. The facility's policy and manufacturer guidelines both required that slings showing signs of wear, such as rips, tears, or fraying, be immediately removed from use. Despite these requirements, the slings remained in use, creating an environment with accident hazards for residents dependent on mechanical lifts.