St. Joseph’s Health Care London (Ontario) was recently fined $50,000 for failing to address a known tripping hazard that lead to a worker suffering a broken arm.   
 
According to a Ministry of Labour (MOL) press release, a nurse tripped and fell after their foot became entangled in a cord attached to bed check equipment. The nurse had been administering medication to a patient and was in the process of leaving the bedside. This fall resulted in a number of injuries including a broken arm.
 
Dangling cords were a known hazard at this health care facility and was documented in joint health and safety committee (JHSC) inspection reports. The MOL also reported the means for securing these cords in this hospital had already been identified though no action had been initiated. 
 
St. Joseph’s Health Care London pleaded guilty to failing to protect the health or safety of the worker. Specifically, they contravened section 25(2)(a) of the Occupational Health & Safety Act that calls for employers to “provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker.”
 
Want to know more from the MOL about this conviction?
 
Want to know how the WHSC can help workplace parties in the health care sector and other workplaces better understand their extensive duties under health and safety law including JHSC certification training obligations? 
 
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Visit:   www.whsc.on.ca
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
 
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