Safety - February 2021
Rethinking Safety and Security in the Pandemic Era
Emergency and business continuity plans, particularly pandemic plans, will get refreshed
2/26/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25858-safety-first.jpg)
Hospitals Across South Review Crisis Performance
Facilities faced three key challenges: accessing water for HVAC systems, sourcing oxygen and getting supplies
2/26/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25860-er.jpg)
Case Study: Disinfecting Contaminated Cell Phones and Tablets
Ultraviolet-C light is an effective alternative to germicidal wipes for disinfecting devices
2/26/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25861-doctor-phone.jpg)
Doctor Wounded in Attack by Patient
Patient stabbed a doctor while being treated inside Pennsylvania Hospital
2/26/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25862-doctor-stop.jpg)
Beware Casual Conversations and COVID-19: Study
Researchers say infections occurred likely due to not wearing a mask in social situations
2/25/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25851-masks.jpg)
Mass Communication’s Role in Emergency Response
System enables healthcare workers to quickly and discreetly report incident
2/25/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25853-gun.jpg)
No Surface? No Touch: Technology Targets Infections
Touchless technology aims to enhance hygiene and minimize risk of infection
2/25/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25854-disinfection.jpg)
COVID-19 Prevention as IT Security Strategy
Applied to IT, health measures have potential benefits
2/24/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25845-ransomware.jpg)
Hospital Maintenance Staff Shines in Cold-Weather Crisis
Employees carried buckets of well water throughout hospital
2/24/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25672-technicians.jpg)
How COVID-19 Is Reshaping Food Service
How can managers use staff effectively to deliver a quality product and meet customer expectations?
2/24/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25772-chef.jpg)
Pandemic Uncovers IT Vulnerabilities
To protect patient and financial data, a proper security setup should include multiple controls
2/24/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25848-hacked.jpg)
Resource Targets HVAC Controls and COVID-19
No definitive recommendations exist for environmental controls when handling COVID-19 patients
2/23/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25651-duct.jpg)
Protecting Workers Beyond COVID-19
Workplace violence is four times more likely to occur in healthcare settings than other private industries
2/23/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25832-stop.jpg)
Ransomware Protection Extended to Private Hospitals
No-cost protection service is already available for public hospitals, health departments and healthcare organizations
2/23/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25833-ransomware.jpg)
Should We Introduce Good Microbes into a Facility?
Instead of killing all the bacteria, facilities could add good microbes into surfaces or the air
2/23/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25834-bacteria.jpg)
Rethinking Food Service in COVID-19 Era
University of California San Francisco Health relaunches delivery in main facility
2/23/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25659-doctors-break.jpg)
Healthcare Facilities Contend with Knockoff PPE
Agents intercepted hundreds of thousands of counterfeit 3M brand masks
2/22/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25820-ppe.jpg)
2020 Data Breaches Skyrocket 55.1 Percent
Hacking and IT incidents led to 67.3 percent of all healthcare breaches
2/22/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25822-hacker.jpg)
Strategies and Tactics to Improve Hand Hygiene
Monitoring by itself doesn’t change behavior of healthcare workers
2/22/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25823-handwashing.jpg)
Hospitals Lead in Augmented Reality Use
Technology is likely used for virtual tours and smart maintenance
2/19/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25814-augmented-reality.jpg)
Hospital, Clinic Shootings Put Spotlight on Security
Healthcare workers face constant challenge of assessing patients for threats
2/19/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25816-gun.jpg)
COVID-19 Will Transform Food Service
Cost pressures probably will force dining programs to seek relief
2/19/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25817-food-tray.jpg)
Americans Backsliding on Handwashing
As pandemic wears on, Americans are washing their hands less often and for less time
2/18/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25809-handwashing.jpg)
How IoT Can Benefit Healthcare Facility Managers
Healthcare facilities are vulnerable to water damage, but sensors can alert FMs to trouble
2/18/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25810-iot.jpg)
Cleaning Robots: The Impact on Environmental Services
Robots would not take environmental services jobs but might help workers disinfect hospital more quickly
2/18/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25812-mop.jpg)
Hospital Shooting Continues String of Attacks
Two wounded, one arrested in shooting outside medical center
2/17/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25802-gun.jpg)
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Checklist for Facility Managers
Executing a high distribution of the vaccine is possible with a solid plan
2/17/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25803-vaccine.jpg)
Ransomware Attacks: What Can IT Managers Do?
Central to preventing attacks is ensuring staff are informed and taking precautions
2/17/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25804-hacker.jpg)
Ice Machines Linked to Nosocomial Infections: Study
Dozens of machines frequently contaminated with gram-negative bacilli and Candida species
2/17/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25805-petri.jpg)
Troubled Chicago Hospital Files for Bankruptcy
Moves comes after state regulators rejected proposal to close down hospital
2/17/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25806-hall.jpg)
Antibiotic-Resistant Infections Strike Hospitals: CDC
Outbreaks linked might be linked to reuse of personal protective equipment by staff
2/16/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25793-virus.jpg)
Healthcare Cyber Attacks Exploded During Pandemic
Three-quarters of all breaches tied to third parties
2/16/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25794-hacker.jpg)
Evidence Grows That Masks Essential in Battling COVID-19 Spread
Two studies take closer look at role of mask-wearing in preventing illness
2/16/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25796-workers-masks.jpg)
Healthcare Cyberattacks Rise 177 Percent
Attacks targeted life science and research labs, rehabilitation facilities, hospital systems, and healthcare organizations
2/12/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25738-cyber-attack.jpg)
One Year Later, PPE Presents Challenges
CDC recently issued guidance that two masks might be better than one
2/12/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25789-medical-staff.jpg)
Healthcare Tech Not Prepared for Cyberattacks: Survey
Only 18 percent believe security built into their medical devices is strong
2/12/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25790-doctor-iot.jpg)
Clinic Shooting Spotlights Violence Threat in Healthcare
Suspect kills one person and wounds four others in attack
2/12/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25791-gun.jpg)
The Role of Emergency Management in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
In coming months, emergency management teams will be crucial in establishing and delivering distribution plans
2/11/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25780-vaccine.jpg)
Strict Infection-Prevention Measures Stop Superbug Outbreak
Cleaning, disinfection, hand hygiene and other measures, contained outbreak within two months
2/11/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25781-candida.jpg)
Healthcare Cyber Attack Targeted 36,000 Patients
Information included Social Security numbers, birth dates, bank and financial account numbers, medical record numbers and diagnosis details
2/11/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25784-hacker.jpg)
Researchers Test Wearable Device Targeting Handwashing
Technology must be further developed and tested to improve hand hygiene compliance
2/11/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25785-handwashing.jpg)
Hackers Post Trove of Stolen Patient Info
Posts include patient names, addresses and birthdays, as well as medical diagnoses
2/10/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25775-hacker.jpg)
Assisted-Living Center Resident Suspect in Maintenance Worker’s Murder
Suspect had been told he was not allowed to have gun
2/10/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25776-gun.jpg)
Flooring Focus: Keeping COVID-19 At Bay
Managers and general public have questions about long-term effects of treating soft and hard floor surfaces
2/10/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25763-mop.jpg)
Healthcare Suffered 239.4 Million Cyber Attacks in 2020
FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies all have issued warnings about the surge in attacks
2/9/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25774-hacker.jpg)
Rethinking IT Security Amid Telehealth Expansion
New report notes an increase of more than 140 percent in mentions of telehealth-related keywords on dark web
2/9/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25770-cybersecurity.jpg)
RFID Offers Potential Benefits to Hospitals
Technology enable automated monitoring of locations, movements and identities of assets
2/9/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25771-medical-monitors.jpg)
Culinary Center Targets Hospitals and Resilience
Healthcare systems are seeking to prevent disease and health issues in communities by addressing social determinants of health
2/9/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25772-chef.jpg)
Mechanical Explosion at Hospital Injures 2
Explosion of mechanical equipment in basement went up chimney shaft and damaged several floors
2/8/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25760-ambulance.jpg)
Protest, Attack Prompts Hospital Lockdown
As crowd gathered, the hospital went into lockdown and requested additional sheriff's deputies
2/8/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25761-soldier.jpg)
NFL Scores with COVID-19 Measures
A closer look at key elements of program to minimize spread of coronavirus
2/8/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25762-nfl.jpg)
Association Renews Focus on Healthcare
IEHA changed its name and rebranded to bring EVS employees to the forefront
2/8/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25763-mop.jpg)
Joint Commission Proposes Workplace Violence Standards
Standards call for hospitals to have a violence prevention program developed by a multidisciplinary team
2/5/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25754-security.jpg)
Refrigeration Breakdown Prompts Vaccine Scramble
Freezer storing 1,650 doses of the clinics’ COVID-19 vaccines stopped working
2/5/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25755-vaccine.jpg)
Alerts Continue on Hospital Cyber Attacks
The latest ransomware strikes hit more hospitals than previously known
2/5/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25721-cybersecurity.jpg)
Hospital Security Touted in Machete Attack
Security upgrades have included more exterior lighting and call boxes, access control on more than 130 doors, and nearly 300 cameras
2/5/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25596-cctv.jpg)
Clinics Ventilation Not Up to Standard: Study
Investigators looked at stand-alone clinics, ancillary clinics to hospital systems, clinics in retail pharmacies and urgent care centers
2/4/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25748-urgent-care.jpg)
Hospital Study Explores Benefits of Disinfectant Wipes
Cleaning time decreased by 12 minutes for discharges and 20 percent for daily cleaning
2/4/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25750-disinfecting.jpg)
Bill Targets Emergency Plans in Long-Term Care
Legislation would apply to assisted living facilities, adult family homes, enhanced services facilities and nursing homes
2/4/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25751-fire-extinguisher.jpg)
Resource Targets HVAC Systems and COVID-19
Guide aims to help performance of flush calculations to reduce the time and energy to clear spaces of contaminants
2/4/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25752-hvac-tech.jpg)
How To Minimize COVID Liability and Ensure Compliance
As the pandemic continues, OSHA will be instrumental in ensuring safe conditions for workers
2/3/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25743-osha.jpg)
COVID-19 Ramps Up Hazards in Healthcare
UV disinfection and masks can create issues for staff, occupants and visitors
2/3/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25744-n95.jpg)
EPA OKs Antiviral Air Treatment for COVID-19
Product can be used in indoor spaces where social distancing is difficult, including food preparation areas in healthcare facilities
2/3/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25747-chef-mask.jpg)
PPE Issues Continue One Year Later
Mississippi man allegedly attempted $1.8 million scheme to hoard PPE: DOJ
2/2/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25737-ppe.jpg)
Inside Efforts to Combat Cyber Attacks on Healthcare
Technology implementation, along with many personnel working from home, has led to more attacks
2/2/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25738-cyber-attack.jpg)
Clinic Murders Spotlight Workplace Violence in Healthcare
Threat of workplace violence remains a top priority for facility managers
2/2/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25739-workplace-violence.jpg)
Cyber Attacks Strike Two Healthcare Organizations
Attack in Washington drives county health department’s computer infrastructure offline
2/2/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25740-hacker.jpg)
Faulty Valve Label Cited in Deaths of Two Patients
Hospital says issue was oxygen valve mistakenly turned off during maintenance
2/2/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25741-respiratory-device.jpg)
Hand Hygiene Key in Controlling COVID-19
When staff focus on imminent patient care needs, hand hygiene compliance can slip
2/1/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25691-nurse-washing-hands.jpg)
Incidents Highlight Risks Facing Hospital Workers
As front-line healthcare workers risk health and safety battling COVID-19, security workers and others face dangers
2/1/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2020/25011-security.jpg)
As Remote Work Goes On, Protecting Data Becomes Crucial
Only two of every ten survey respondents said they have adequate resources to support employees working remotely
2/1/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25725-laptop.jpg)
Environmental Services Evolves in COVID-19 Era
Role of EVS technicians has been highlighted and recognized more than ever before
2/1/2021
![](https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/resources/editorial/2021/25726-mop.jpg)