WorkSafe probe ‘satisfied’ hospitals have prevention processes in place after triple shift concerns at FSH

The State’s watchdog is “satisfied” hospital triple shift mitigation measures are in place after two probes into dangerous cases undertaken by nurses at busy emergency departments in May. Worksafe had launched an investigation at Albany Health Campus over an exhausting 29.5-hour duty by an agency nurse within just 40 hours. The stint, between May 23 and 25, included an arduous 22.5-hour stretch with minimal rest. The incident came after Fiona Stanley Hospital intensive care unit nurses pulled a 24-hour shift on May 17 due to “exceptionally high numbers of very sick admissions and unplanned staff sick leave”. “The investigations have now been completed, and the inspector is satisfied that the appropriate improvements have been made,” a Worksafe spokeswoman told The West on Friday. In a letter obtained by The West Australian, Worksafe stated that while the “scenario was not ideal”, human factors, miscommunication, and a willing staff were the driving forces for the long shifts. “Both Fiona Stanley Hospital and Albany Regional Hospital admit the incidents happened and have been forthcoming with documents and information requested,” the inspector stated. “I am satisfied that both PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking)’s have put processes in place to prevent an occurrence of this event as far as practicable and are also working to increase staffing numbers.” He added that “all parties volunteered to do the overtime of their own free will”. “Whilst the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, places a duty of care on the PCBU for the safety of workers under Section 19, Section 28 of the Act also places a duty of care on workers for their own safety and the safety of others,” he said. No further action will be taken by WorkSafe. Several further cases of lengthy shift work in the industry were aired after The West Australian highlighted the issue but have not been reported to the regulator. They included an ED nurse at St John of God Midland who pulled a 22-hour stint during the eastern health hub’s COVID-19 response in mid-2022. Another nurse, who wanted to remain anonymous, worked an 18-hour shift at Geraldton Regional Hospital in a general ward at some point between February 23 and March 3 this year. She started the shift at 1pm and worked until 7.30am the next day, with just half an hour break. At the time, the WA nurses’ union had the accounts showcased the sacrifices made for patient care, harm inflicted by staff shortages, and highlighted the urgent need for reform. She was among union representatives who called for comprehensive fatigue management policies, proper rostering, and upskilling to address the challenges head-on. On Friday, Australian Nurses Federation boss Janet Reah said she believed the issue was underreported and admitted she was stunned by WorkSafe’s findings. “WorkSafe is not on our side, they seem to think that it’s okay to work a triple shift because the nurses volunteered,” Ms Reah said. “Being coerced because you’re worried for your coworkers and your patients, is not volunteering. “Everyday, nurses are working doubles. Everyday, midwives are working doubles.”