Workplace Hazards

[Guest guest]

Today was a difficult one for Jan. Her ride to work was late, so she

was a few minutes late. Her " job " is a volunteer one helping people

more handicapped than herself. The client she usually works with wasn't

there today, so she took the initiative when still unassigned to try to

help others. Here are the notes she wrote tonight.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I got to work at 10:09 am after I got dropped off. I was just browsing

around. I wasn's assigned to anyone so I went to the back and browsed

around. The only thing I didn't know was that Matt stole a toy from

Jeff, so Jeff got it back. I took it to back to Matt, then I saw Jeff

take it back. I decided to give it to Matt, but I failed and Jeff

attacked me, hetting me and he bit my head from behind.

[Jeff and Matt are two clients who were apparently fighting over an

educational toy that Janet tried (as staff) to intervene in]

Mike and Edgar saw the whole thing. They (Josh, Mike) looked at my head

and so did Edgar, Joy, and Virginia. Virginia called the group home

after Josh filled out an injury report. I was told " Do not go near Jeff

because he bites " .

[Josh, Mike, Edgar, Joy, and Virginia are all paid staff. Jan is the

only volunteer]

Then I hung out until I was assigned someone to work with someone.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

This happened shortly after 10 am. The staff did not notify

management. They did not suggest getting medical help (human bited are

not good). They did not notify either Jan's parents or her counsellor.

Jan's counsellor found this out at the end of the day when she picked up

Jan for a session working with her. She brought her straight home,

which was the first I heard of the problem. I sent Jan for a shower and

medicated the rather nasty bite under her scalp and talked to her Mom.

It is probably OK, but the staff needs training. When there is any

injury, they need to get someone responsible involved and maybe get

medical help for the person. This doesn't matter whether it is a

client, staff, or a volunteer.

Mom was at work when Jan got home, but I got medical advice from her,

which was pretty much what I had in place. Clean and put antiseptic

cream on the wound .. and go to the ER if it gets looking worse. She

will look at Jan, either past midnight when she gets home or in the morning.

The emergency training issue is more important than the injury. I'll

see to that in the morning. I know the management up to the CEO of the

organization and they will hear from me.

Rick .. dad to 35 year old Jan who works helping people more handicapped

than herself .. and husband to Dr Mom