Failure to Maintain Cleanliness and Proper Waste Disposal in Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly dispose of garbage, medical supplies, and yard debris, resulting in unsanitary conditions in the dumpster and surrounding area. Observations revealed an open dumpster lid exposing boxes, loose paper, and tree branches, as well as a wheelbarrow filled with additional debris. The area around the dumpster and compressor was littered with leaves, paper, Styrofoam cups, plastic water bottles, medical gloves, yellow face masks, broken tree branches, cigarette butts, and flies swarming the dumpsters. No staff were present in the area during the observations. Interviews with facility staff indicated a lack of clear responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in the dumpster area. The Director of Maintenance stated that the staff member previously assigned to clean the area had been terminated, and that he was now responsible for cleaning it. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the expectation was for the area to be kept clean but acknowledged that there was no facility policy addressing dumpster or compressor area cleanliness. The Director of Maintenance's job description included responsibility for groundskeeping and overall facility appearance.