Unattended Kitchen and Open Gates Create Accident Hazard
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure a safe environment in the facility kitchen, as observed when a pot of eggs was left cooking on a boiling gas stove in an unattended kitchen with the entry gates open. This situation had the potential to affect four cognitively impaired and independently mobile residents out of twelve residing in the house. Interviews with the Administrator and a CNA confirmed that the stove should never be left unattended while in use and that kitchen gates are supposed to be closed when the kitchen is unattended or the stove is on. Review of the facility's orientation education document also indicated that staff are required to lock the kitchen gates when cooking or not present in the common area and to ensure the stove is off when not in use.