You have now completed the Housing Health Hazards course. The final module presented six cases and potential initial approaches that were either correct or incorrect. The table below is a summary of correct actions for each case. 1 It is Cold in Here On visiting a client in their rented apartment on a January afternoon the client tells you: It is cold in here The thermometer reads 15 C. There is a large gap between the door to the outside and the frame and you can feel cold air blowing in. -Discuss the minimum heat requirements of the Livability By-Law with the client to raise awareness. -Encourage the client to contact the landlord to fix the temperature problem. -Give the client information on relevant additional resources, if necessary, such as how to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch and how to report a possible Livability By-Law breach by dialing 311. -In most cases it is best for the client to contact the landlord to fix the temperature problem. If this does not work, the client can call the Residential Tenancies Branch or 311 themselves. -If the client does not want to or is unable to report the issue, then the CHS provider may offer to do so and report on the client s behalf. If the client provides their written and informed consent to permit the CHS provider to report the concern, the CHS provider must note the client s informed consent in the file and may consult with their relevant supervisor.
2 Sewage backup in a basement apartment with a toddler You walk into a Winnipeg basement suite for a visit with a mother and her 3 year old child. There is thin layer of backed up sewage throughout the suite. The client contacted the landlord 3 days ago who advised that someone will deal with the issue in about 10 days from now. The client is unhappy with the landlord s response but says she has gotten used to the smell. She wishes to stay in the suite despite your warnings that this situation is a risk for her and her child. -Encourage the client to contact the landlord again to request an immediate response. -If the landlord does not respond, encourage the client to call 311 or a Public Health Inspector to inform them of the sewage backup situation as this situation creates a risk of transmitting a communicable disease. -If the client does not want to or is unable to report the issue, then the CHS provider may offer to do so and report on the client s behalf. If the client provides their written and informed consent to permit the CHS provider to report the concern, the CHS provider must note the client s informed consent in the file and may consult with their relevant supervisor. -Because this situation creates a serious risk of contracting a communicable disease for the child, you are required to inform Child and Family Services if the mother refuses to leave the home with her child. It is best to let the family know this before doing so. Follow the WRHA SAFT processes to providers.
3 Landlord not shoveling snow You receive a phone call from a client about the landlord not removing the ice in front of the main entrance of their apartment building. -In most cases it is best for the client to contact the landlord to shovel the snow, and for the client to call the Residential Tenancies Branch if the landlord does not respond. -If the client does not want to or is unable to report the issue, then the CHS provider may offer to do so and call the landlord or report to the Residential Tenancies Branch or make a complaint about a possible Livability By-Law issue on the client s behalf. If the client provides their written and informed consent to permit the CHS provider to report the concern, the CHS provider must note the client s informed consent in the file and may consult with their relevant supervisor before proceeding. -Follow the WRHA SAFT processes to providers:
4 Missing Air Ventilation Floor Cover On visiting a client in their own Winnipeg home that they own, you notice that an air vent cover on the floor of the hallway is missing. The hole is easily big enough for an adult to accidentally step into and injure themselves. -This client owns their own home. Discuss the risk this is to them and to workers visiting in their home. Find out if the client has the means to fix the problem. There may be some resources you can suggest to the client. -Follow the WRHA s SAFT processes to providers:
5 Poor street lighting and bedbugs At a late evening visit you have difficulty finding a client s home because the street is very poorly lit. Two street lights on either side of the house are not working. When you get into the house you find that it has bedbugs in the bed. The client is the home owner. -Try to meet the client outside of the infested area. -Do not move items from the room with bedbugs to other rooms to avoid transferring bedbugs. -Advise your supervisor and Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health (OESH) of the bedbugs immediately. Follow the WRHA SAFT processes to providers with regards to the poorly lit area and bed bugs: -Call 311 to inform them that the street lights are not working. Do not share specific information about the client without their written consent.
6 Hoarding On visiting a homeowner in West St. Paul you find that the house has so much clutter you cannot find a place to sit or easily get into and out of the home. Especially concerning is the pile of old newspapers on the stove. The home is in a field of tall dry grass along with two neighbouring homes. When you get back to the office you talk to your supervisor about this situation because of the obvious fire risk. -Talk to the client about the risk their home situation creates for them and for others. -If the client is unwilling to respond to your requests for improving the home s safety, advise the client you will contact the Public Health Inspector about this risk. -The house and its surroundings likely create a public health hazard as they are in a condition that puts the safety of others at risk. Follow the WRHA SAFT processes to providers.