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

CRAB Alert: The EVS Role in Preventing Infection

CRAB is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, surgical wound infections and meningitis in hospitalized patients.


Why Hospital Waiting Rooms Aren't Going Away

Despite advances in technology, thoughtfully designed reception spaces continue to evolve.


Ground Broken on Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Hospital

The hospital is aiming to open in 2030 on Mount Sinai’s Upper East Side campus.


Design, Compartmentation, Training: How Defend-in-Place Strategies Can Protect Patients

Effective defend-in-place strategies depend on compartmentation, fire-rated assemblies and ongoing staff training to protect patients who cannot quickly evacuate.


Milestone Marked with Topping Out Ceremony for BayCare Hospital Manatee

Construction remains on schedule, with crews continuing work on interior spaces, infrastructure and clinical areas throughout the facility.


 
 


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.