By Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Founder, ICCS

The pandemic is an ongoing fluid situation, and guidance as well as practice is constantly changing. ICCS recognizes that clients are often confused as a lot of information is delivered to them at the state and federal level. It is difficult to keep up with the updates. As we continue working with many clients that enlisted our services at the beginning of the public health emergency, we are noticing frustration with use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers are experiencing a new "round of PPE fatigue," especially after vaccination and mainly with respect to eyewear protection.

Guidance is provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is often ambiguous. Employers and employees feel the use of some PPE is costly and may be unnecessary. ICCS understands that PPE fatigue is reality. We work with our clients to analyze the guidance and apply it as best as possible. While we may all have our personal opinions about what’s necessary and what isn’t, we need to focus on the fact that PPE fatigue should be considered while at the same time understanding and following the requirements. PPE use is dependent on the specific healthcare setting, services provided, activities, state requirements, and OSHA and CDC guidelines.   

It is important for employers to ensure that they have access to state and federal updates and adhere to them. An example includes OSHA’s COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS). Employers will be fined if there is a complaint and OSHA finds a violation of the standards. The fines can be very heavy, but they are avoidable.

ICCS encourages clients to reach out if guidance or standards are confusing and employees have concerns or pushback is occurring. Compliance is most often dependent on understanding the reason behind the guidance and standards.