Ashes Launches An Industry-Wide Initiative To Establish Best Practices With NESPI

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PHOENIX, Ariz.--The opening ceremonies of the ASHES 2005 20th Anniversary Conference and Healthcare Marketplace held September 25 – 29 in Phoenix, marked the official launch of National Environmental Services Performance Initiative (NESPI).

NESPI is the ASHES response to members and other environmental services professionals challenged by incomplete industry guidelines for staffing day-to-day operations that guide performance and ensure a clean and safe health care environment.

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Osha Drafts Ergonomics Guidelines For Nursing Homes

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WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the first set of industry-specific ergonomic guidelines -- Guidelines for Nursing Homes.

"These guidelines are the result of an extensive and cooperative process involving a wide-ranging, inclusive review of both scientific information and existing ergonomic practices and programs in the nursing home," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw.

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Nursing Home OSHA Alert

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WASHINGTON –- OSHA announced a new National Emphasis Program (NEP) to focus outreach efforts and inspections on specific hazards in nursing and personal care facilities with high injury and illness rates.  The program will focus outreach efforts and inspections primarily on hazards most prevalent in the facilities, including: ergonomics primarily related to resident handling;

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Meeting Inspection Requirements

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As you prepare your laundry for an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Inspection at either state or federal level, a survey by the Joint Commission or a mock survey, which is used to prepare for a survey, it is important to understand the basics and rules governing inspections. In previous issues I have addressed the basics involved with the Joint Commission (JCAHO.)

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