MRSA and the Workplace

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria. Staph, which is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people, can sometimes cause infections. In fact, staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States, but most of these skin infections are minor.

However, with MRSA, which are types of staph that are resistant to an antibiotic known as methicillin, and often resistant to other antibiotics as well, the infections can become serious, sometimes even fatal.

NIOSH reports that MRSA usually spreads by touching infected skin, but it can also spread by touching materials or surfaces that had contact with an infection (e.g., towels, clothing, faucets, door knobs). This is why MRSA infections can spread in the workplace. NIOSH states that certain factors make it easier for it to spread and list their 5 Cs, which include:
1. Crowding,
2. Frequent skin-to-skin Contact,
3. Compromised skin (cut, scrape, or rash),
4. Contaminated items and surfaces, and
5. Lack of Cleanliness.

While healthcare facilities have infection control procedures due to the unique challenges they face from MRSA and other superbugs, workplaces where the 5 Cs may be common include schools and daycare facilities, dormitories, military barracks and correctional facilities reports NIOSH. In addition, people who work with farm animals or pets may also be at risk of MRSA infections.

It is safe to work with someone who has a staph or MRSA infection as long as their wound is kept clean, dry and covered according to NIOSH. The agency provides guidance for employers and supervisors to help prevent the spread of staph or MRSA in the workplace.
• Show employees the company cares about worker safety and health protection in the workplace by promoting a culture of safety.
• Ensure the availability of washrooms and handwashing supplies.
• Encourage workers to practice good hand hygiene.
• Ensure the performance of routine workplace housekeeping.
• Ensure that surfaces contaminated with MRSA drainage or blood are cleaned and disinfected.
• Ensure the availability of personal protective equipment and first aid supplies.

There are also recommendations for workers to prevent staph or MRSA skin infections, they include:
• Wash hands frequently.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing is not possible.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as uniforms, towels or razors.
• Wear gloves or other personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate.

These are just a few of the many things to know about MRSA and the workplace. To learn more about this or other infection control, building science, occupational, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

[PajamaGirlSwag]

I got MRSA when I worked at walmart in college

[chrislemaster]

In the Hotel I worked at if you had MRSA you were not allowed to come back to work until a Dr has cleared you.