Photo: Contributed

The Interior Health Authority has been fined $274,000 after exposing Penticton Regional Hospital employees to illegal drugs without receiving the proper training to handle such a situation.

The fine, imposed by WorkSafeBC, was imposed this summer and recently published online. In its findings, WorkSafeBC notes that on an unspecified date, a “foul smell” began emanating from a patient room.

“Two workers entered the room, were exposed to an unknown substance and became ill. Eight other workers were also treated for exposure,” WorksSafe reports.

“WorkSafeBC determined that the employer’s safe work procedure for responding to illicit substances had not been adequately communicated to workers, and workers had not received training on the process to follow.”

The fine reflects the fact that “(Interior Health) failed to implement written procedures to eliminate or minimize the risk of worker exposure to chemical agents that could cause adverse health effects.”

Although WorkSafeBC declined to confirm whether this specific fine is related to an incident in April at PRHthe details match: a foul odor, staff members falling ill, suspected substance use and the fact that the documents provided show that the investigation was opened one day after this incident, on April 8, 2024.

WorkSafeBC also noted that this was a repeated infraction by health authorities.

“WorkSafeBC has previously issued orders to Interior Health for incidents at other facilities related to Regulation respecting health and safety at work 5.2” they wrote in an emailed statement.

Interior Health previously said it was taking the matter seriously.

“It is important to emphasize that smoking is prohibited on Interior Health properties and we have protocols in place to ensure the safety of staff and patients when an incident like this occurs,” they said. -they stated in an email.

The hospital has now been in compliance with WorkSafeBC guidelines for combating illicit drug use by patients since July, following the initial investigation and several follow-ups.