Sample Hypothetical Scenario-
Internal Responsibility System Exercise (Group Discussion)
Health and Social Services
Mike has been absent from the workforce for five years raising his youngest daughter. Approximately two years ago, Mike began the Continuing Care Assistant course a local education which has prepared him well for a career in long term care. During Mike’s first month on the job, he notices a lack of compliance with existing best practices regarding the safe lift and transfer of residents and notifies his direct supervisor with his concerns.
Mike is afraid that not using the appropriate equipment will put the patient, his fellow employees and himself at risk. Mike is also intimidated to bring this situation up to his peers directly, as when he attempted this previously he was advised that using patient lifts “takes too much time”. Mike wonders if the organization has a formal policy related to safe handling and re-positioning.
His supervisor thanks him for bringing the situation to her attention and ensures him that she will follow-up in the near future. She also advices Mike that occupational health and safety is managed through their risk management team and that he should pay attention to his job and leave workplace safety to that department to manage. Mike is advised that patient lifts are provided for more extreme cases only, and that most residents can be assisted by one employee. Mike leaves the meeting feeling very concerned about his safety, the safety of his co-workers and the safety of the residents.
During Mike’s most recent shift one of his co-workers attempted to reposition a patient without using the appropriate equipment or support and seriously injured her back. When Mike heard the news he felt terrible because he predicted this would happen.
Using the information presented thus far, answer the following questions as a group:
- According to the IRS, who has the greatest responsibility in this situation?
- Have any of Mike’s rights been violated?
- Has Mike’s supervisor fulfilled all of his responsibilities under the OH&S act of Nova Scotia?
- Were there any violations under the OH&S act of Nova Scotia?
- What suggestions would you give Mike to create a safer workplace for him and his co-worker?