Failure to Secure Assisted Lifting Devices Creates Accident Hazards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the resident environment remained free of accident hazards in two of four hallways reviewed. Specifically, two of four assisted lifting devices were not properly secured while being stored in the hallways. Observations showed that one hydraulic assisted lifting device in the 200 hallway was left free rolling with unsecured wheels, and another device in the 400 hallway had only one wheel locked, allowing it to spin freely. Several residents were observed ambulating past these unsecured devices. Record review indicated that the facility's policy and user manual lacked clear instructions on proper storage and locking of these devices when not in use. Interviews with staff and the DON confirmed that training had been provided on locking all wheels of assisted lifting devices when not in use, and staff acknowledged the risk of accidents if devices were not properly secured. Despite this training, the devices were found unsecured or improperly secured during the survey, indicating a failure to consistently implement safety procedures for storing assisted lifting devices in resident areas.