Contractand

Vendor Management

Stacia Hayes MBA, CHSPEnvironment of Care

Program ManagerSwedish Medical Center

Why we care who is working in our hospitals

Urethane Floor Work

Background Swedish made the switch to a urethane wax product.

Lasts longer than traditional waxing Done by a contracted company Usually night shift

Several years ago a staff member had a reaction and was hospitalized in the ICU due to preexisting conditions that were possibly exacerbated by exposure.

Could not test employee to see what caused reaction because she was so sensitive.

Decision made to notify staff via email where work would be done and round with staff member that was hospitalized to make sure she did not go into area. We would also put up plastic to contain smell.

Fast Forward…

Investigation Labor and Industries showed up for investigation Internal Investigation paralleled L&I Swedish did not have baseline data from Industrial

Hygienist on exposure level to urethane Contractor did work, but not in location of exposure Contractors contract had not been reviewed

internally and was out of date Contractor did not have a safety plan as required

by Law Contractor did not have appropriate PPE for

Employees

Investigation Cont… Contractor was using chemicals that had not

been approved by Swedish. No oversight by Swedish of Contractor while

at the hospital doing work. PPE Assessments for all job classifications

Closure… Decided to remove plastic from process due to

not allowing airflow Continue to notify staff where work will be done

Moving toward Paging Groups vs. email 3rd Party Industrial Hygienist hired to get

baseline Obtained lab results, still waiting for report from

IH Urethane work re-started in January of 2013 March of 2013 Contractor’s contract terminated

due to disregarding PCRA in Sterile Processing which could have caused patient harm.

Window Washers South West Tower Window washing during day shift right above

the loading dock Near miss

Pictures of the scene…

Follow-Up Contract was up to date. Contractor had an active safety plan. Required Contractor to leave direct cell phone

for emergency contact with Dispatch. Contractor followed up with education with

their staff. Window work on this side of the tower is now

scheduled during second shift or on the weekends.

Questions?