In a tragic case, the operator of a Glenroy based Aged Care Facility, Blue Cross Community Care Group Services Pty Ltd, has been fined, without conviction, after a 90-year-old resident died as a result of burns to his feet.
In October 2021 non-ambulant male resident rolled off a lowered bed close to floor level in his private bedroom. His feet rested against a hydronic heater mounted on a wall across from his bed for an unknown period which resulted in burns to both his feet. However, his feet were not resting against the heater when he was found by agency nurse. The incident occurred during COVID-19 restrictions which impacted on staffing, rostering, and work practices at the facility.
Over the following weeks, the resident’s burn injuries deteriorated and on 13 November 2021, four of his toes were amputated on his left foot and he received a skin graft on his right foot. The Incident was reported to WorkSafe on 26 November 2021. A WorkSafe inspector attended the workplace and issued an Improvement Notice in December 2021 in relation to the risk posed by hydronic heaters at the workplace.
On the 23 March 2022, the resident died. The cause of death was sepsis — complications of bilateral lower limb necrotic burns.
The company pleaded guilty to one charge under s26(1) of the OHS Act and was, without conviction, fined $66,000 and costs of $4,132.
Read more: WorkSafe media release Aged care home fined after resident suffers severe burns