Together, we can keep care providers safe, healthy, and caring for Nova Scotians. Learn more at safecareconnection.ca
AWARE-NS attended the CCANS Conference in Sydney, Nova Scotia, June 5th 2013. We spent the day tweeting insightful information we learned from the speakers. AWARE-NS invited stakeholders from around the province to tune in to our Twitter feed and share in the experience. Here are a few highlights
Together with the introduction of the new regulation, the Occupational Safety General Regulations and Blasting Safety Regulations were amended to make them consistent with the new regulation.
The Fall Protection and Scaffolding Regulations; the Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Regulations; and the Occupational Health Regulations will be repealed.
Please review:
original legislation
new legislation that reflects the changes
summary of legislation changes
Under Typical Causes:
Removed last sentence: “Mechanical lifts are also known as hoist”
Under Preventive Measures:
Removed
It also specifies that there is a requirement for training employees who use this requirement since injuries may still occur if the operator is not properly trained.
The requirement for safe sling use is outlined in section 80 of the Occupational Safety General Regulations.
Added
“Where the lifting or moving of a thing or person may be a hazard to the health or safety of a person at the workplace, an employer shall ensure that
(a) adequate and appropriate equipment for the lifting and moving is provided; and
(b) training and instruction as to the appropriate method of performing the lifting and moving is provided in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, or, where there are no equipment manufacturer’s instructions, in accordance with adequate work methods and lifting and moving techniques.” 5
Added two additional References
5. Occupational Safety General Regulations
http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/reg/ohsgensf.htm
6. Occupational Health and Safety Act
http://nslegislature.ca/legc/statutes/occph_s.htm
Suzanne Rhodenizer Rose RN BScN CIC, Director, Healthcare Quality, Patient Safety and IPCNS, is asking Directors/Managers of Quality & Patient Safety and District Infection Control Practitioners to get in touch if you come across mouldy mattresses in the facility you work in.
As you may be aware from recent news reports, Capital Health uncovered mould on several mattresses while new mattress covers were being replaced as part of routine maintenance. As a result of their auditing process, more mattresses were found to contain mould.
While Capital Health is working diligently to rectify this situation for their district, it is important that we ensure that this is not a concern for other district health authorities (DHA) in the province. Mould can pose a health risk not only to patients, but also to those who work in our health care facilities.
Patient safety is important to all of us. The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) is recommending that acute care facilities in the DHAs and the IWK Health Centre make arrangements to investigate if the issue uncovered at Capital Health may also be of concern in your facilities. This may involve a visual inspection of mattresses, including assessment of the integrity of the mattress coverings and ensuring they are water-proof. Districts should also ensure that the products used for cleaning and disinfecting are compatible with the mattresses covering and do not contribute to breakdown of the mattress material.
In the event that mould is found and is significant, the mattress should be disposed of using proper disposal procedures. In some cases, it may be suitable for mattresses to be covered with a new water-proof, vapour-proof mattress covers to ensure there is no risk to patients. Decision-making should be done in consultation with district experts (e.g. infection prevention and control, infectious diseases, occupational health and safety).
As a result of this situation, DHAs/IWK should also ensure a process is established for ongoing routine inspection of mattresses/coverings and appropriate replacement when necessary.
If you discover similar issues in your facilities as a result of your investigation, I would ask you to notify me with the details.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at 902-722-1244 or via email at [email protected].
View the memo
