OSHA Issues Bulletin
Hopes to Aid in Lyme Disease Prevention
WASHINGTON, DC-The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a Hazard Information Bulletin to help employers implement a Lyme disease protection program. Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease can cause chronic arthritis, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, the bulletin suggests people wear long-sleeve clothing and pants to protect their skin from ticks. It also recommends the use of insect repellants and vaccinations. The areas with the highest risk for Lyme disease in the US are in the northeast from Massachusetts to Maryland and the north-central region including Wisconsin and Minnesota. Outdoor workers in the northern pacific-coastal area of California are also at great risk.
The bulletin and a fact sheet can be found at the OSHA website, www.osha.gov.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
