State probe finds Duluth facility's neglect allowed resident to drink cleaning chemical

The facility failed to implement safety precautions, the report said


The Minnesota Health Department ruled that operators of Westwood of Duluth senior facility  were negligent when a 70-year-old man inadvertently poisoned himself and died on Feb. 19, according to an article on the Star Tribune website.

A resident at a the senior care apartment complex, who was known for rummaging around for food and drink, downed a cleaning chemical that eventually  killed him three days later.

According to details of the state death investigation released Tuesday, “The facility failed to implement safety precautions” knowing that Nelson “had a history of climbing over the kitchen gate [and] failed to otherwise secure chemical cleaners.”

In response to the death, Westwood staff removed chemicals from under the kitchen sink and put locks on all cabinets, the report said.

Read the article.



May 16, 2019


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Strategies to Eradicate Biofilm Containing C. Auris

Understanding the speed and risks of contamination after room disinfection should inform managers’ environmental cleaning recommendations.


Man Attacks Nurses, Police Officer at Jefferson Hospital

The man allegedly attacked the staff members before being restrained and sedated.


Freeman Health System Breaks Ground on New Full-Service Hospital

The construction project will be completed in three phases, over a 24- to 34-month time period.


All Eyes on Gen Z as They Enter the Workforce

As the labor gap widens in the facilities industry, not many managers trust Gen Z to fill that hole.


Cleveland Clinic Starts Fundraising Effort for New Hospital in West Palm Beach

Plans for the new hospital include approximately 150 inpatient beds, an emergency department, a medical office building and an ambulatory surgery center.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.