Improper Maintenance and Disposal of Garbage and Refuse in Dumpster Area
Penalty
Summary
Failure to properly maintain and dispose of garbage and refuse occurred in the facility’s dumpster area, as identified during an initial kitchen tour when surveyors, accompanied by a dietary staff member, observed multiple items of trash and discarded furniture around the dumpster. Specifically, two used gloves were lying on the ground beside the base of the dumpster, along with one broken metal and upholstered armchair, four cloth recliners with large black stains or substances on the fabric (including one red recliner with the back pulled or broken off), and a broken chest of drawers with broken shelving and top. The dietary staff member confirmed these observations, stated she had not been aware of the trash and garbage accumulation around the dumpster, and reported she did not know what arrangements were in place for trash and garbage pickup, indicating that maintenance was responsible for disposal. Further interview with a maintenance staff member revealed that maintenance staff were responsible for maintaining and cleaning the dumpster area and that he had placed the chairs by the dumpster for disposal several months earlier. He reported that the person who previously picked up and disposed of the garbage and trash around the dumpster had stopped performing this duty and that he had not found a replacement, resulting in the continued accumulation of debris. The maintenance staff member acknowledged that the condition of the dumpster area, with debris, trash, and used gloves, posed potential for rodent infestation and cross-contamination and spread of infection to residents and staff. The facility’s undated policy on Housekeeping, Laundry and Maintenance – Basic Services Provided stated that storage areas must be kept neat and free of extraneous material such as refuse and discarded furniture, which was not followed in this situation.
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