Funding Agency: WorkSafeBC
Collaborators: School of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (UBC), Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, HEU, as well as input from numerous other stakeholders
Completed: December 2006
Objective: To identify feasible control measures or work environments most likely to be effective in reducing the risk of asthma among cleaners in the healthcare industry.
It has been well demonstrated in the scientific literature that cleaners are at increased risk for work-related asthma. However, other than general recommendations to reduce contact with certain chemicals, we still do not know the best ways for employers and employees to prevent work-related asthma. Research is needed to evaluate different approaches to exposure control in the cleaning industry.
The ultimate goal of this research was to identify feasible control measures or work environments most likely to be effective in reducing the risk of asthma among cleaners in the healthcare industry. This study was intended as a development project aimed at bringing together stakeholders and producing a scientifically valid planning and research protocol. The first objective was to develop working relationships with as many stakeholders as possible. Representatives from all stakeholders were invited to join a Project Advisory Team. Over the course of a series of team meetings, site visits and interviews throughout the year, information was to be collected to guide the researchers in formulating a protocol and specific research questions for a province-wide project that would provide insight into how to minimize occupational asthma risk among hospital housekeepers.
Unfortunately, half way through the year, the contract employer rescinded their initial support of the project and officially declined to participate any further.
Research activities then re-focused on the development of a guidance document titled “Identifying Exposures to Respiratory Hazards in the Cleaning of Contaminated Surfaces, Equipment, and Devices”. This guidance document, which is essentially a risk assessment, is structured to complement the current cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization guidelines set by Infection Control at participating health authorities. The goal is to alert healthcare workers to chemicals and application methods thought to increase asthma risk. The guidance document has a web-based component (maintained on each health authority’s intra-web), allowing for future updating and revision, and will be tailored for use by each participating health authority.
