Despite identifying the source of a salmonella outbreak as red onions, the outbreak continues to spread, increasing from 34 states to 43, Associated Press reports. So far 640 people have been sickened, with 244 in just the last week. New states affected include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, and West Virginia. Although 85 people have been hospitalized, there have been no deaths linked to the outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers as well as facilities that serve food to avoid onions from Thomson International Inc. Although the outbreak is linked to red onions, the advice applies to red, white, yellow, and sweet onions. Some of the onions were sold at stores including Walmart, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Publix, Giant Eagle, Food Lion, and H-E-B, under a variety of brand names. Several companies have recalled onions and foods made with recalled onions like chicken salad, macaroni salad, fajita stir-fry, pizza, and diced raw onions, including Taylor Farms and Giant Eagle.
Legionella bacteria found in several buildings in Atlanta is a reminder that facility managers need to monitor properties that have been closed for several months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has closed several buildings it leases in Atlanta after Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ Disease, was found in the facilities’ water systems, CNN reports. The bacteria, which can cause deadly pneumonia, grows in warm or stagnant water. Plumbing in facilities that have been closed for months can provide a perfect breeding ground for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Legionella flourishes at temperatures between 80 and 120 Fahrenheit. It can be eliminated by chlorination and other disinfecting routines, but the bacteria can create hard-to-dislodge sludge inside pipes. The CDC recommends that building managers flush the water systems of closed properties before reopening them. As poorly maintained cooling towers are another potential source of Legionella, managers need to routinely inspect cooling towers and perform regular maintenance. Learn how fault detection software can help eliminate Legionella bacteria in your facility.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, essential workers such as custodians put their lives at risk each day to keep others safe. Custodians who clean Safeway grocery stores in the California Bay Area organized a protest late last week to demand hazard pay and personal protection equipment (PPE), Palo Alto Weekly reports. Leaders with Service Employees International Union, United Services Workers West (SEIU-USWW), which represents the custodians contracted by the grocery chain, are calling on Safeway to add US$2 in hazard pay to the custodians’ hourly wage. This amount is given to custodians who have been directly hired by Safeway, but not to the contract workers. The added compensation recognizes the danger these essential workers face as they work night shifts to disinfect surfaces and clean bathrooms before customers return the following day. Ten janitors contracted to work in Northern California Safeway stores have tested positive of COVID-19, according to the union. Contracted janitors also are looking to receive adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, as they have faced a shortage of disposable gloves. Thursday evening, about 100 people participated in an “Essential Workers Caravan” to show support for the contract employees. Many of the workers are supporting family members who have lost their jobs because of the economic shutdown. The caravan ended on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California to raise awareness of the university's contracted janitors who have stopped receiving compensation since mid-June due to the shutdown The group is also calling for the passage of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act), a $3 trillion federal package that would issue a second round of stimulus checks and extend a $600 weekly payment for the unemployed.
An ISSA-led coalition of nearly 40 groups representing millions of employees and many millions more customers urged U.S. Congress and the Trump Administration to include a “healthy workplace” tax credit in the next federal stimulus package to protect the safety of workers, customers, and the public. Such a tax credit should be targeted, temporary, and available to business entities and nonprofits, according to the coalition. In a letter to congressional leaders, as well as a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, the groups stated that there is “already bipartisan and bicameral support to create such a tax credit. A ‘safe and healthy workplace tax credit’ is part of Senate Republicans’ Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools Act (HEALS Act) and similar bills have been introduced by Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate. These proposals recognize the enormous unexpected costs of creating and maintaining healthy spaces for workers and customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” The signatories requested that members of Congress and the administration consider the following updated recommendations as they “evaluate and hopefully include a reopening tax credit in the next stimulus bill.” According to the coalition, qualified expenses should include: Cleaning and workplace safety-related costs, including cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing-related products; equipment; delivery/dispensing devices and systems; and technology platforms or services related to preventing the spread of COVID–19 Training, consulting, standards, certifications, auditing/quality control, monitoring, and guidelines or other similar information related to COVID–19 Personal protective equipment (PPE) Technology used for limiting or tracing and tracking physical contact between customers and employees nationwide and improving workplace safety and hygiene Other expenditures associated with maintaining a healthy physical workplace such as reconfigurations, including those necessary to comply with federal, state, and local guidelines, as well as industry best practices. Please take a moment to email or call your elected officials using ISSA’s Action Center and request their support for this tax credit as part of the next federal stimulus package.
The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, along with 14 additional facilities around the globe have achieved GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. There are currently more than 3,000 facilities in 66 different countries undergoing the process of earning GBAC STAR accreditation. Newly accredited facilities include: Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo, Ireland Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida Chase Center, home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, in San Francisco The Dubai Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Evelyn Hotel in New York City Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Brussels, Belgium Il Sereno Hotel in Torno, Italy Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach, California The Palace Hotel in Tokyo, Japan Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix Rockliffe Hall, an SLH member hotel, in Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, United Kingdom United Scrap Metal in Philadelphia Villa Pliniana Hotel in Torno, Italy Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. “We’re excited to announce the Dubai Mall as the largest facility to date to achieve GBAC STAR accreditation along with these other leading venues around the world,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “GBAC STAR can adapt to a facility of any size, type, or location, assuring all who visit that it follows the proper practices, procedures, and systems to prepare, respond, and recover from the global pandemic—and other infectious disease outbreaks in the future.” With a total internal floor area of 5.9 million square feet, the Dubai Mall welcomes more than 80 million visitors each year and is currently undergoing a massive expansion, paving the way to welcome over 100 million visitors. Several five-star hotels, including the historic Ashford Castle built in the 12th century, have successfully achieved GBAC STAR accreditation. The Chase Center joins a growing list of accredited arenas, including the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Plus, the addition of the Long Beach, Palm Springs, Phoenix, and Washington convention centers brings the total number of GBAC STAR-accredited convention centers in the United States to 16. To apply for GBAC STAR facility accreditation, visit gbac.org/star.
ISSA thanks the members of the Georgia General Assembly for passing and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for signing into law a trauma clean-up bill (HB 417). This new law will regulate trauma scene clean-up services by requiring companies performing such services in the State of Georgia to be registered with the Secretary of State, carry proper insurance, as well as employ technicians that are background checked and fingerprinted. The law, which makes Georgia the first state to regulate crime scene clean-up, came about four years after a WGCL-TV investigation into the industry revealed that the absence of regulations resulted in unprofessional and damaging behavior by some companies. Governor Kemp vetoed a similar bill last year because that legislation had not received an adequate review and fiscal analysis, according to the governor’s veto message. The Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a division of ISSA, strongly supported the legislation. GBAC Executive Director Patricia (Patty) Olinger was on hand for Governor Kemp signing the trauma clean-up bill into law. “This is a big deal for the crime and trauma industry,” said Olinger. “The new law strengthens the professionalism of the trauma and crime scene clean-up industry.”
Should regular company staff be expected to take on cleaning tasks during a pandemic? Workers at Tesco, one of the United Kingdom's largest supermarkets, are being tasked with cleaning toilets, shelves, and floors at 2,000 of its stores after the company cut its contract cleaning staff, European Cleaning Journal reports. Tesco management said it conducted a trial and found that giving stores more ownership and control of the cleaning responsibilities, rather than relying on contract staff, resulted in better results and more consistent standards. Management said it will increase its budget for cleaning products and give staff time to complete their cleaning duties. However, workers’ rights representatives say Tesco staff are already overloaded and exhausted. According to reps, expecting staff to take over cleaning responsibilities during a pandemic is not only unfair to them, it is a risk to the safety of everyone in the stores.
Facilities are changing their business practices and ramping up their cleaning protocols to protect the health and safety of building inhabitants and clients. However, the coronavirus pandemic has also taken a toll on the public’s emotional well-being, as well as their physical health. Companies need to be cognizant of the different mindsets people are experiencing in dealing with the daily challenges of pandemic life. From different comfort levels in leaving their homes to struggles in maintaining social distancing, the pandemic has raised a variety of emotions with not everyone experiencing the pandemic in the same way. By demonstrating empathy, companies can capture more business while helping to keep people safe. A survey conducted by restroom products manufacturer GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific, has identified five different pandemic mindsets: The Freewheeler is eager to get back to normal life and has participated in what others consider to be risky behavior during the pandemic, such as refusing to wear masks or follow social distancing guidelines. (13% of the survey respondents) The Reluctant Rule Follower is not happy following pandemic guidelines such as mask wearing and social distancing but is complying with the protocols to avoid judgement. (25% of respondents) The Cautious But Reasonable is returning to normal living while following safety guidelines but is prepared to isolate again if circumstances warrant. (29% of the survey respondents) The Germinator is disinfecting and sanitizing every surface in sight and very concerned with eliminating germs. (19% respondents) The Avoider has rarely left home since the pandemic started and is prepared to stay home until a COVID-19 vaccine is available. (12% of respondents) “As the coronavirus pandemic continues its uncertain trajectory, we recognize that people are experiencing a wide range of emotions and comfort levels when it comes to venturing out for work, socialization, dining, and other ‘typical’ daily activities,” said Michelle Auda, senior director of insights with GP PRO. “With this survey, we wanted to better understand those feelings to help guide businesses as they welcome more people through their doors. Just as it’s critical that businesses create a safe, hygienic space and implement stringent cleaning protocols, it’s also important that businesses acknowledge the wide range of sentiments people are experiencing right now and demonstrate empathy, care, and concern.”
As Tropical Storm Isaias made landfall in North Carolina late Monday as a Category 1 hurricane and traveled up the East Coast yesterday, communities experienced flooding, electrical outages, and intense rain, ABC-TV reported. At least five people died—two in North Carolina, one in Connecticut, one in Maryland, and one in New York— as the storm made its way north, bringing strong winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes. Flood water resulting from hurricanes is hazardous, not only because of the drowning risk but also the risk of picking up illnesses from the contaminated water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following tips for floodwater safety in its hurricane preparedness publication: Turn off all facility utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. Gather emergency supplies, including prescription medications, flashlights, and battery-operated radios. Get to higher ground without driving through standing water. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and two feet of water can cause your car to be swept away. On its hurricane preparedness and response page, the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers the following tips on preparing workers for natural disasters: Ensure that all workers know what to do in case of an emergency. Practice evacuation plans on a regular basis. Update plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises. More storms are sure to hit the U.S. as hurricane season continues. If your facility is struck by a hurricane, make sure you are following efficient and safe protocols during clean-up.
First, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned of hand sanitizers containing methanol, a toxic ingredient when absorbed through the skin or digested. The FDA’s latest warning is of hand sanitizers containing insufficient levels of alcohol to eliminate germs such as SARS-CoV-2, CNN reports. FDA test results found some hand sanitizers had concerningly low levels of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzalkonium chloride, the active ingredients. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% of ethanol alcohol or other active ingredients. In all, the FDA listed 101 brands of hand sanitizers in its latest warning. All the products on the list have either: Been tested by the FDA and found to contain methanol Are labeled to contain methanol Have been tested and found to have microbial contamination Are being recalled by the manufacturer or distributor Are subpotent, meaning they have less than the required amount of ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzalkonium chloride Are purportedly made at the same facility as products that have been tested by the FDA and found to contain methanol. Make sure you are choosing the correct hand sanitizer for your facility. Register for an upcoming webinar on hand sanitizers and the FDA.
No doubt you’ve has some cleaning projects that took all day or maybe all week. But how about four years? The cleaning process for the pipe organ in Notre Dame Cathedral began yesterday and is expected to last almost four years, the Associated Press reports. The 8,000-pipe organ survived the April 2019 fire, which consumed the cathedral’s roof and toppled its spire. But the blaze coated the instrument in toxic lead dust that must now be painstakingly removed. The instrument also suffered damage from a record heatwave last summer as it has been exposed to the elements since the cathedral lost its roof. The cleaning process will be lengthy as restoration exports must take out and clean the pipes one by one. Once restored, it will take six months just to tune the organ. French President Emmanuel Macron hopes the cathedral can reopen in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. But it’s taken more than a year to clear out dangerous lead residue and scaffolding that had been in place before the fire for a previous renovation effort. Restoration of the landmark cathedral has yet to begin.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified red onions as the source of a widespread salmonella outbreak that has sickened 396 people from 34 states. So far 59 people have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported. The outbreak spread from 23 to 34 states in the last week. The CDC is warning facilities that handle food to not serve any onions from Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California. If your facility is unaware of where your onions are from, don’t serve any food prepared with them. Although only red onions have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak, other types of onions such as white, yellow, and sweet may be contaminated as well due to the way onions are grown and harvested. Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, and stomach cramps. Although most people recover from the illness, those with weakened immune systems, children under 5 years of age, and adults over 65 are more at risk of severe symptoms or even death.
