Cooperative Laundry Worker Safety Study

Handling soiled linens from overwhelmed hospitals has caused Hospital Laundry Workers to Fear Their Rising Infection Risk. This project aims to address the risk associated with the job performed by these workers and mitigate the spread of pathogens. Workers were typically close to each other during the pandemic at laundry facilities. Access to masks or gloves was limited, leaving it to employees who make little more than minimum wage to buy their own. Some workspaces had poor ventilation, and often managers brushed off requests for protective equipment. Workers with systems were not quarantined but were forced to return to work within one week of symptoms. Laundry employees contend that handling sheets and gowns used by Covid-positive patients is part of a perfect storm of crowded workplaces and insufficient company precautions. Truck drivers complained about safety issues because soiled linens aren’t appropriately sealed when picked up. Handling methods are essential to maintain the cleanliness of healthcare linens. Processes must be in place to ensure the cleanliness of work areas, processing stations, finishing equipment and material handling devices, including linen transportation and storage trailers. We want to conduct a study to establish the benefits of the proposed system. Additionally, we would like to provide increased pandemic and emergency reusable textile storage capacity for our clients. This equipment will also offer storage and decontamination for reusable personal protective equipment for future pandemics.