Failure to Properly Dispose of Garbage and Maintain Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure that the side doors of two dumpsters were kept closed and that the area surrounding the dumpsters was free from trash debris, as required by facility policy. Multiple observations over several days revealed that the side doors of the dumpsters were left open, exposing trash inside, and that the ground around the dumpsters contained various types of trash, including plastic water bottles, gloves, cups, paper, and plastic silverware. On one occasion, both dumpsters had all side doors open with trash bags spilling out onto the ground. Interviews with the Director of Dietary, Director of Maintenance, and Lead Housekeeper confirmed the observations and acknowledged that all staff were responsible for ensuring dumpster doors were closed and trash was contained. Housekeeping staff were specifically responsible for keeping the area around the dumpsters clean, but the Lead Housekeeper was unsure when this task was last completed. The facility census at the time was 124 residents.