A Comprehensive Insight Into Infection Control for Healthcare Construction

With the rising number of hospital infections every year, the need to ensure infection control in healthcare construction projects has become crucial.

The CDC estimates that approximately 722,000 patients are affected by healthcare-associated infections every year, with an estimated healthcare cost of $7 billion annually.

Infection control for healthcare construction encompasses a broad range of practices, policies, and procedures used to control the spread of pathogens in healthcare settings. It’s an essential element of any healthcare construction project.

This article discusses healthcare building construction and its relation to infection control and how these two elements should come together to guarantee the safety of patients and employees safe.

Healthcare Construction Infection Related Risks 

There are two main categories of infection control risks associated with healthcare construction projects.

• The first category involves any potential environmental contaminants present on-site or nearby, like dust or soil that could contain bacteria or viruses.
• The second category includes potential risks related to human contamination that occurs during project activities, such as sharp injuries caused by improperly discarded needle sticks, cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds.

If not adequately controlled, healthcare construction sites pose a significant health risk to employees involved in new construction and renovation projects. Improper handling of these situations has led to many infections in healthcare workers throughout history. And, it is when you need the help of hazardous materials removal and disposal services in Omaha.

Because of their extensive experience with infection control systems in healthcare facilities, the experts know what to look for in construction sites. That’s not the only reason. But more on this ahead, first understand what things to take care of during construction.

What to Take Care Of?

 Before starting with construction, there are a few things that you must be aware of. When an individual enters a hospital, he is at risk of contracting several types of infections. Therefore, you need to make sure that facilities like patient rooms, restrooms, and washrooms are appropriately designed and constructed in such a way that reduces infection risks.

• Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities should be designed to prevent the spread of infection from one patient to another.
• Designing and installing equipment such as hand hygiene stations and sinks can minimize contact with bacteria.
• The flooring should be made of easy-to-clean materials.
• Bathrooms should have sinks that are separate from the toilet.
• All utility services should be capped or contained.

Who Can Help?

Projects in healthcare construction are dynamic and complex, with hundreds of thousands of different details. Effective management of these projects requires extensive industry knowledge and experience.

For example, a consultant environmental in Omaha can assess the potential impacts of a construction project and can help clients mitigate and avoid environmental risks and harmful pollution.

 The environmental risks during healthcare construction are very complicated. It is difficult to determine what materials are the most harmful because the building materials known for being unsafe are often also commonly used in construction.

That’s why it’s vital to ensure your facility is designed with input from an agency that provides infection control for healthcare construction.

What Does It Mean When Healthcare Construction Is Infection Control Compliant? 

It means that all surfaces in a hospital or other medical facility are guaranteed to be 100% clean, with no risk of cross-contamination. They are also assured to be bacteria-free and protected from harmful substances. If you’re thinking about starting your healthcare construction project, you should ensure it meets rigorous standards set by experts in infection control.

Hazardous Waste Removal

The procedure of hazardous materials removal and disposal in Omaha is quite complex. The health risks from exposure to a hazardous material can range from mild discomfort to long-term illness and death.

The potential damage caused by these materials is often enough reason to remove them properly instead of leaving them to sit until they can be disposed of safely later.

Based on your requirements, you should hire professionals who can handle all aspects of hazardous waste removal and disposal services in Omaha, NE.

Final Lines

Healthcare facilities are expected to adhere to infection control protocols for many reasons. Those patients receiving care in hospitals or medical centers are already dealing with compromised immune systems.

They are also at an increased risk of contracting an infection due to their weakened state. The proper design and layout of any healthcare facility can help alleviate some of these risks.

Your business is an environment that needs to provide a safe and secure experience. It’s vital to consider infection control for healthcare construction as one of your top priorities for building design and construction.