The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued guidance for nursing home and long-term care facility (LTC) staff in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. They say the tips can help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
According to OSHA, employers should remain alert of changing outbreak conditions, including as they relate to community spread of the virus and testing availability, and implement infection prevention measures accordingly. Staff and residents should be screened regularly for signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Sick workers should be sent home or to seek medical care. Staff should be encouraged to stay home if they are sick. Staff and residents who may have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19 should be closely monitored and additional precautions should be taken.
Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on updating existing resident visitation policies. Ask visitors to inform the facility if they develop a fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within fourteen days of their visit.
Maintain at least six feet between workers, residents, and visitors to the extent possible, including while workers perform their duties and during breaks. Break periods should be staggered to avoid crowding. Consider alternatives to in-person large group gatherings for both staff and residents.
OSHA provides these tips for good infection prevention and control practices:
- Consult OSHA’s COVID-19 guidance for healthcare workers and employers.
- Provide handwashing facilities and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol throughout facilities.
- Regularly clean and disinfect shared equipment and frequently touched surfaces in resident rooms, staff workstations, and common areas.
- Use hospital-grade cleaning chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from List N or EPA-approved hospital grade cleaning chemicals that have label claims against the coronavirus.
- Ensure staff have and use any personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to perform their jobs safely.
- Continually monitor PPE stocks, burn rate (rate of consumption), and supply chains.
- Develop a process for decontamination and reuse of PPE, such as face shields and goggles, as appropriate.
- Follow CDC recommendations for optimization of PPE supplies.
Employers should assess the hazards to which their staff may be exposed; evaluate the risk of exposure; and select, implement, and ensure staff use controls to prevent exposure. Train staff how to protect themselves and residents during the pandemic and encourage them to report any safety and health concerns to their supervisor or hotline.
Resources:
OSHA COVID-19, https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
OSHA Healthcare Workers and Employers, https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/healthcare-workers.html
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
“COVID-19 Guidance for Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Facility Workers,” https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA4025.pdf
Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html
