Interior Health, a health authority in British Columbia, has been fined nearly $250,000 after several staff members were exposed to an illicit substance. The incident occurred at the Hillside Psychiatric Centre in Kamloops in September 2019.
According to a report from WorkSafeBC, the health authority failed to provide a safe work environment for its employees. The report states that the staff members were exposed to a substance believed to be fentanyl while handling a patient’s belongings. The substance was later confirmed to be carfentanil, a highly potent opioid.
The report also found that Interior Health did not have adequate policies and procedures in place to protect its employees from exposure to hazardous substances. It was also noted that the health authority did not provide proper training and education on handling illicit substances.
As a result of the incident, 12 staff members were taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Fortunately, all of them have since recovered.
In response to the fine, Interior Health has stated that they take the safety of their employees very seriously and have taken steps to improve their policies and procedures. They have also implemented additional training for staff on handling hazardous substances.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that healthcare workers face on a daily basis. It is crucial for employers to have proper protocols in place to protect their employees from potential harm.
WorkSafeBC has also issued a warning to all healthcare employers to review their policies and procedures to ensure the safety of their staff. They have also urged employers to provide proper training and education on handling hazardous substances.
The fine of $248,476.50 is a significant amount, but it serves as a necessary consequence for failing to provide a safe work environment. It is hoped that this incident will prompt all healthcare employers to prioritize the safety of their employees and take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
