CMM Weekly Review—August 30, 2019

As Hurricane Dorian is predicted to hit Florida this weekend, facility managers maintaining buildings in the storm’s path are advised to make sure their natural disaster plans are up-to-date. This includes ensuring facilities have a backup source of power. This week, nursing home workers were charged with the deaths of 12 elderly residents who were exposed to extreme heat when a transponder powering the Florida facility’s air conditioning was ruined during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Long-term care centers, as well as other facilities offering food services, also need to ensure they are following best practices to prevent foodborne illness as a new strain of salmonella is emerging that may not respond to antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat the infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One-in-six Americans get sick from consuming contaminated food or beverages every year, which isn’t surprising considering commercial kitchens can serve as a hot spot for germs and bacteria if they aren’t properly maintained.

The cost to properly clean and maintain facilities in order to prevent illness may increase for your company as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will increase tariffs on US$250 billion worth of Chinese goods from 25% to 30% beginning October 1. He also announced the tariffs on another $300 billion of Chinese goods set to begin September 1 and December 15 will now be taxed at a rate of 15% instead of 10%

 In response to the tariffs, ISSA signed onto a letter to President Trump with 162 other trade associations in the Americans for Free Trade coalition. The letter expresses ISSA’s concern with the continued escalation of the trade war and its impacts on the cleaning industry. The ISSA believes tariffs are hurting American businesses and consumers by increasing the costs of products used to keep hospitals, schools, and homes clean and sanitary.

Take a break from cleaning to enjoy the Labor Day weekend. CMM Daily News will return on Tuesday, September 3.