Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1524871.015 - Mercy Hospital Of Buffalo

Inspection Information - Office: Buffalo Area Office

Investigation Summary

An employee was working at a general medical or surgical hospital. He worked in the Environmental Services (EVS) Department of the hospital. Employees in that department were responsible for general cleanliness of the hospital in their respective areas. This employee worked in cleaning and sanitation in a medical/surgical unit. The cleaning included trash and linen removal, dusting, wiping of surfaces, bathroom cleaning, and mopping of floors. There was one COVID-19 positive patient on the floor, and the employee entered the room on two occasions for cleaning. The employee was observed by the floor supervisor wearing all appropriate PPE before entering the room, including, but not limited to, gloves, gown, goggles, and an N-95 respirator covered by a surgical mask. The employee had been medically evaluated, fit tested, and trained for PPE. He was not vaccinated for COVID-19, and he had signed a declination letter in January 2021. On March 27, 2021, when he reported for work, he exhibited symptoms of COVID-19. His employer sent him for testing. This was his last day of work. That same day, March 27, 2021, the test results came back positive. On March 29, 2021 he was hospitalized. On April 12, 2021, he died in the hospital. That same day, OSHA was notified.

Keywords: Infectious Disease