Supervisors must ensure their staff work safely and that any unsafe work practices are corrected.
In the event that a supervisor does see one of their staff working unsafely,
they must speak with the worker and find out why.
This information will help define what corrective action to take.
Examples of unsafe work include improperly boosting or turning a resident in bed,
or not wearing personal protective equipment.
In the following video, you will see a supervisor perform a spot inspection
and intervene to correct an unsafe work practice.
I’ve slid down.
Can you come and lift me back up?
I’ll be right there, Mrs. Jackson.
Well, I’m really uncomfortable and I’m trying to watch the last part of my show.
Okay, Okay.
Can you come and lift me back up?
Okay, Okay.
Okay, I’m just going to pull you up quickly from here.
Can you bend your knees and push up on the count of three to help me when I pull?
1, 2, 3…Try again.
1, 2, 3…
Oh, my back.
How could this have been avoided?
5 minutes earlier…
Thank goodness for calendar reminders.
I completely forgot that I need to do those spot inspections today.
I might as well do them now while I have some time.
Okay, I’m just going to pull you up quickly from here.
Can you bend your knees and push up on the count of three to help me when I pull?
1, 2, 3…
Betty, hold on for just a second. What?
What are you doing?
Mrs. Jackson slipped down a little. I’m just boosting her back up.
Oh I see. Can I see you in the hallway for just a second?
Betty, I know that Mrs. Jackson needs to be moved only a few inches, but you can really hurt yourself,
and possibly Mrs. Jackson, when you use the soaker pad. The ceiling lift and positioning sling must be used.
It’s only a few inches. And besides, Mrs. Jackson is so light. So far it hasn’t been a problem.
But it is. You’ve been lucky that you haven’t hurt yourself.
I know that you think it takes a lot longer to use the lift –
but I really want you to take the time and be safe.
I don’t want you to get hurt. And it’s okay to ask for help.
Okay, but it’s hard when there’s so much to do and I know that everyone is really busy.
I know. Here, let me help you boost Mrs. Jackson up in bed using the sling and the lift.
And let's use the dark green hoops. Okay.
You just saw a supervisor perform a spot inspection and correct an unsafe work practice.
Knowing why your staff is working unsafely will help you determine what action to take.
Remind them that working safely is best for them and the resident.
Whether you are a supervisor in residential care, a hospital, or a home care agency,
you are responsible for identifying and correcting any unsafe work practices.