Reducing Health Associated Infection Risk In A Construction Zone
Health care organizations with plans to renovate or expand existing facilities face the challenge of maintaining a sterile environment in a construction zone. Reducing risk of infection from dust and debris while also protecting workers and tradesmen from exposure is a next level of infection prevention and control. Performing an Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA) is an essential step in the planning and coordination process.
“Before the start of a construction or renovation project, the team should evaluate the scope of the work, assess the risk factors, and identify potential hazards,” shared Cheri Fast, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, WOCN, program manager for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC). “The ICRA can reduce the potential for exposure, which minimizes risk for healthcare associated infections.”
An ICRA is required by many jurisdictions through the adoption or use of the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) for the Design and Construction of Hospital, Outpatient and Residential Health Care Facilities.
“ICRA training is extremely eye opening to construction workers. Every move and step you make at health care facilities can help reduce the risk of injury, sicknesses, or life-threatening diseases to patients, staff, and trades workers,” emphasized Brendan Farrell, ICRA State Lead and member of the North Central State Regional Council of Carpenters. “Through training our number one goal is to help ensure the health and safety of every patient, facility personnel, and tradesperson. It should be a team effort from everyone involved in any part of a construction project.”
Farrell sees how taking extra precautions reduces tension for staff, workers, and patients during any construction project. “I have had loved ones in critical care, and I also have been a patient in the hospital with serious issues. I understand the risk to myself or my loved ones for any kind of infection and just keeping the staff at ease during construction so they can focus on patient care is extremely important.”
Rebecca Sime, RN, program manager (SDFMC), encourages other health care professionals to participate in ICRA training. "Brendan Farrell and his team explore ICRA concepts, encourage communication, and utilize collaboration throughout the class to help you protect patients from secondary infections and illnesses during construction and renovation projects in healthcare facilities.”
The infection prevention and control team at SDFMC completed the ICRA training course and is equipped to offer proactive guidance on mitigating risk related to construction-related activities. Jess Danko, MSHA, RRT, LTC-CIP, SDFMC program director pointed out, “Even the simple task of removing several ceiling tiles to mitigate a leaking pipe can lead to dust and debris and create an infection risk. The ICRA is just one tool in infection prevention and control that all healthcare facilities should be utilizing when they are completing facility repairs, installations, or new builds.”
The South Dakota Project Firstline website provides additional infection prevention training and resources for any individuals working in a healthcare environment.