Failure to Ensure Proper PPE Use During Soiled Linen Handling
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to follow facility policy regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling soiled linen and clothing. Multiple observations showed a Laundry Aide collecting and handling bags of soiled linen from various units without wearing gloves, despite the facility's policy requiring gloves and gowns to be donned when handling soiled items. The Laundry Aide was seen tying, removing, and replacing soiled linen bags with bare hands, only using hand sanitizer after handling the bags. Interviews with the Laundry Manager and the Laundry Aide confirmed that gloves were not being worn during these tasks, with the Laundry Aide stating that gloves could not be worn and the Laundry Manager acknowledging that gloves were not available in the soiled utility rooms. The Administrator also confirmed that staff are expected to wear gloves when handling soiled linen, both in the utility rooms and laundry room, as per facility policy.