Failure to Enforce Infection Control Policies for Staff with Open Wounds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program as evidenced by a dietary aide working in the kitchen with an uncovered laceration and stitches on his left index finger. The aide was observed performing food service tasks, such as moving food carts, handling clean serving plates, and picking up food items, while wearing a glove on the injured hand. The glove was used to touch potentially contaminated surfaces and then clean items without hand hygiene being performed between tasks. The aide also removed and replaced gloves without washing his hands and at times handled food and food packaging with his bare, injured hand. The stitches on his finger were exposed and not covered, contrary to facility policy and standard infection control practices. Interviews revealed that the dietary aide had informed the Food Service Director (FSD) about his injury, but the FSD was unaware of the extent of the injury and did not report it to other relevant staff. The Human Resource Director and Director of Nursing (DON) were not notified of the injury, and both stated that staff with open wounds or stitches should not be working without proper clearance and the ability to perform hand hygiene. The administrator confirmed that the staff member should not have been working until cleared and emphasized the requirement for staff to be able to wash their hands appropriately. The failure to communicate and enforce occupational health policies resulted in the aide working with an open wound, unable to perform necessary hand hygiene, and potentially compromising infection control in the facility.