KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — State health officials charged that the employees at the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital were not following the rules when it came to handling patients and a number of them lost their jobs, and were even investigated for possible criminal violations for how they handled patients.
No charges were ever filed. Now we know why.
WWMT-TV reports an eight-month Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation of working conditions at the hospital show that employees were frequently struck, bitten and assaulted, suffering broken bones and even strangulation to the point of unconsciousness.
The state’s workplace safety inspectors are recommending that workers get better training, be supplied with Kevlar sleeves, alarm buttons and radios to summon help, and work in groups of two.
The hospital treats mental patients who are simply too dangerous to live in the community.
They have reportedly reached an understanding with MI-OSHA about improving conditions.
– John McNeill
