BC’s Interior Health Authority has been fined nearly $275,000 after 10 workers were exposed to illegal substances at a Penticton hospital.

WorkSafe BC posted the penalty notice online, saying a fine of $274,073.89 was levied on Aug. 1, giving few details about the incident.

“A noxious odor was detected coming from a patient room and a service request was made,” the announcement said, adding that two workers became ill and eight others were exposed.

It doesn’t say exactly what substance it was, but the notice says the health authority is being fined – in part – because the employer’s “safe work procedure for responding to illicit substances was not adequately communicated to workers, and they did not was instructed on the process to follow.”

In addition, WorkSafe found that procedures were not in place to prevent or minimize employee exposure.

“It was a repeat violation,” the notice concluded.

The issue of drug use in hospitals and the possibility that health care workers could be at risk ignited several days of heated debate in the legislature last spring.

BUNDLE:

One solution that was proposed was to ensure that all hospitals have safe drinking areas for patients who use drugs.

BUNDLE: