Focus: Environmental Services

Lower-profile hospital workers worry about their COVID-19 risk

Many hospitals are struggling to obtain protective equipment


Lower-profile hospital workers — from skilled therapists and translators for non-English speakers to room cleaners and meal servers — are worried about their risk for coronavirus exposure, according to an article on the Public Integrity website.

Workers in California, Illinois and Washington state told the Center for Public Integrity they fear inadequate access to personal protective equipment. Many hospitals are struggling to obtain the equipment and rationing what they do have.

There’s also less support for low-paid hospital workers who are least able to afford to self-quarantine if exposed to the virus, according tod Catherine Murrell, deputy communications director for Healthcare Illinois and Indiana, a healthcare workers’ union affiliated with the Service Employees International Union.

Federal legislation doesn’t guarantee that all healthcare workers, and workers at companies with more than 500 and fewer than 50 employees, have to be paid if put on two-weeks quarantine.

Read the article.

 



April 13, 2020


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Must Know Recalls of 2025

For the safety of our readers, Healthcare Facilities Today has closely followed all recall notices related to the industry.


Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center Join to Form Partnership

The partnership will go into effect by the end of December 2025.


Choosing a Disinfectant That Kills Biofilm

Bacteria form biofilms in pipes from which cells can be released during sink use and spread outside the drains in droplets or as aerosols.


Third-Party Data Breach Case Underscores Need for Cyber Risk Management

Plaintiffs alleged negligence in safeguarding patient data; defendants denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs.


 
 


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.