Addressing Health Issues Through Facility Management in Nursing Homes

Nursing home facility managers have a growing responsibility. A  study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found there were an average of 65,600 senior care facilities in the U.S. in 2019, with over 8.3 million individuals in residence. If current trends continue, that number is expected to double by 2030, due to the aging population.  

As these facilities grow, the risk of safety-related issues at facilities also increases. For nursing home facility managers, recognizing these safety issues is crucial to upholding a healthy and safe environment for everyone residing and working within the facility. Healthcare Facilities Today lists four issues that facility managers are paying special attention to:  

• Respiratory protection issues 
• COVID-19 written plan requirements 
• U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping issues  
• Bloodborne pathogen issues

Recordkeeping, for instance, is crucial for helping managers recognize trends in the types and frequencies of workplace injuries and illnesses. This knowledge can help them take proactive steps to fix this safety issue.  

In addition to the four main areas of concern, nursing home facility managers must also be on the lookout for electrical hazards, lockout/tagout noncompliance, and asbestos. 

“The most impactful thing a facility manager can do is educate themselves on basic OSHA requirements, specifically for their chosen profession,” says David A. Casavant, program director at The Sustainable Workplace Alliance. “Once the facility manager is aware of the hazards, working with HR to develop written plans, training and inspections go a long way to ensure compliance and more importantly, a safe workplace.”