State inspects hospital odor after employee complaint

Seventeen employees sought medical attention


Vermont’s workplace safety agency inspected the Vermont Medical Center’s Fanny Allen campus after receiving a complaint of an unidentified odor that caused 17 employees to seek medical attention, according to an article on the VT Digger website.
 
The complaint described the hazard as “Chemical exposure two weeks ago since resolved,” and says seven staff members have symptoms consistent with long-term exposure to carbon monoxide, “Vertigo, nausea, General malaise.” 
 
Staff reported feeling nauseous on the day of the incident, after noting “the smell of exhaust, or something that smelled like fumes.” 
 
UVMMC temporarily closed an operating room at Fanny Allen and sent affected employees to an on-site urgent care facility “out of an abundance of caution.” 
 


November 7, 2019


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Avoiding Mistakes in Healthcare Site Selection

Actionable strategies for healthcare systems and medical groups navigating today’s constrained real estate market.


Can Rural Hospitals Be Saved?

More than 700 rural hospitals nationwide face the risk of closure. A new report highlights solutions that could improve long-term sustainability.


Ascension Saint Thomas Breaks Ground on Hospital and Health Campus in Tennessee

The new hospital will open with 44 inpatient beds and will be designed to expand to 132 beds as community needs grow.


The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities

Quaternary ammonium compounds are a popular disinfectant choice, but they may be causing more harm than good. A review outlines the problems with QACs and offers a solution.


Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety

As CMS deadlines approach and renovation projects accelerate, healthcare facility managers must understand how NFPA 101, state fire codes and sprinkler design strategies intersect.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.