The real cost of toxic chemicals in healthcare

Healthcare Purchasing News, Sept, 2003 by Larry Weiss

Injuries or illnesses that result in lost work time or reduced work time are also recorded. Add to tiffs the cost of absenteeism and hiring and training replacements. Estimates by IBI, an independent study group, find that each lost workday can cost the institution as much as $1,500 and absenteeism due to injury or illness can account for as much as 15 percent of payroll (8). Dermatitis and asthma associated with disinfectants and cleaners are the most common occupational illness in healthcare workers in hospitals and nursing homes. Many persist for six months or more. Chronic dermatitis is the most common chronic occupational illness in healthcare workers (9). They can cost an average of 11 workdays annually and over 70 percent are associated with the use of harsh disinfectants and cleaners. Lifting heavy buckets and mopping injuries, while less common are costly and can easily be eliminated by converting to a microfiber system. Even a small reduction in these costs can have a significant impact on overall productivity because of reductions in absenteeism and hazmat related work activities.

Housekeeping

The majority of the hazardous chemicals in healthcare are used by aids and housekeep[tag staff and, correspondingly, they suffer the majority of the ill effects from toxic exposure. Early involvement of either the housekeeping mangers or the outside contractor is essential to achieve "buy in" and success. Among their greatest challenges when considering change is that there is high turnover and a lower educational level among their employees. The task of maintaining ongoing training for new employees and monitoring for compliance must be considered whenever proposing change. Emphasizing that training, practice and compliance can be streamlined at the same time as occupational illnesses and injuries can be reduced will often be enough of an incentive to bring them to the table. For outside cleaning contractors, the same worker's compensation and efficiency considerations translate directly into improved productivity as well as better employee relations.

Infection control

In most hospitals, the infection control officer has broad responsibilities among them setting a standard for the infection control products and practices. Once this standard has been established, purchasing was tasked with getting sign-off by housekeeping and then finding the most competitive price. In most cases, the standard is defined by a list of required organisms and kill times.

From the perspective of most infection control officers, the number one problem is compliance. Transition to a safer and simpler practice is an effective tool in improving compliance. Although some infection control practitioners may feel that their involvement in considering a less toxic alternative ends when the defined efficacy is met, it is nevertheless important to make every effort to make them part of the team. Success is dependent on solving problems early and making everyone a problem solver.

Compliance