HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 07111995 - SD3 •
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Ron t r3a
FROM: Costa
Phil Batchelor, County Administrator
- . . County
DATE: '%''•-�•.
sTa i'i,c+t'
July 11, 1995
SUBJECT:
County Bloodborne Pathogens Program
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECO14 ENDATTON:
Accept report from Risk Management, in response to AFSCMEEIs (Local 512)
letter on County Bloodborne Pathogens Program.
BACKGROUND:
In 1992, FED OSHA and CAL OSHA required employers to implement a bloodborne
pathogens program to protect employees with a "reasonably anticipated"
exposure to blood and certain body fluids . The purpose of the program is to
minimize occupational exposure to AIDS and hepatitis carriers by requiring
employers to review all job classifications and determine which employees
should be covered by this program. For employees who come under the
bloodborne pathogens program, the County provides:
- Annual training on the exposure and prevention measures
Personal protective equipment to reduce exposures .
- Hepatitis B series vaccinations at a cost of approximately $120
per employee.
The criteria used to assess classifications for inclusion under the County
Bloodborne Pathogens Program is that of "reasonable anticipation" of
exposure, what is the likelihood that an employee may be exposed to blood
and certain body fluids. In consultation with departments, it was determined
the classifications in Attachment A are covered by this program.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: _X_YES SIGNATURE: I V�
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF ARD OMMf EE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S)-
ACTION OF BOARD ON Til 1 3Z 11 �C�A 5 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED_X OTHER
Following presentation by Jim Hicks, AFSCME, the Board ACCEPTED
the report and REFERRED to the County Administrator for followup
with the Health Services Director, Human Resources Director, Risk
Manager, and labor representatives a review of other employee
classificationsfor possible inclusion under the bloodborne
pathogens program.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
_X UNANIMOUS(ABSENT- AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact: Joseph J. Tonda, CAO - Risk Management
cQ Jim Hicks, AFSCME (Local 512) .646-201.4 ATTESTED July 11, 1995
Gerald Buck, County. Probation Officer PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Francie Wise, Public Health SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Dr. William Walker, Medical Director,
Health Services -
Leslie Knight, Director of Human Resources BY ,DEPUTY
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND THE PROBATION SUPERVISOR I CLASSIFICATION:
Risk Management, in consultation :with the Probation Department, assessed
Probation classifications for inclusion and determined that Juvenile Hall
counselors and Juvenile Hall supervisor classifications are covered under the
program. In Juvenile Hall, it is reasonably foreseeable that counselors and
supervisors could be exposed to blood, such as in physical altercations .
Probation Supervisor I employees are not involved in physical altercations.
There is no record of any incident in carrying out their duties in which
there was an exposure to blood. It is possible an arrest could be made in
the office,' but local police are called if a client is not willing to submit
to arrest. Although these employees handle urine samples, urine samples are
not considered bloodborne agents. To the best of our knowledge, the job
functions of Probation Supervisor I do not place them at risk to blood
exposure.
In July, 1994 there was a stabbing incident in the elevator at 50 Douglas
.Drive. Two courageous adult probation officers voluntarily assisted the
stabbed victim. Neither the stabbing occurrence nor assistance given were
connected to the job functions of Probation Supervisor I . Unfortunately, the
officers got blood on their hands . Since then, AFSCME has complained about
the officers ' post-exposure treatment and the fact that the Probation
Supervisor I classification is not included in the bloodborne pathogens
program. AFSCME and Risk Management met on September 16, 1994, and have
exchanged several letters since then (letters of December 29, 1994; February
6, 1995; February 16, 1995; and June 15, 1995, are attachments B - E) .
Risk Management contacted ,Dr. Lawrence Rose at CAL OSHA' s Medical Unit for
his opinion on this issue. The duties of a Supervisor I and the stabbing
incident were explained to Dr. Rose, and it was Dr. Rose' s opinion that the
duties do not warrant inclusion in the Bloodborne Pathogens Program. Dr.
Rose stated the stabbing incident created an "incidental" exposure, not
inclusive to the duties performed.
After further review of the Probation Supervisor I duties, Risk Management
and the Probation Department maintain that classification does not have a
"reasonably anticipated" bloodborne pathogens exposure. Accordingly, the
Probation Supervisor I classification is not covered under the Bloodborne
Pathogens Program.
EMPLOYEES WITH INCIDENTAL EXPOSURES TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS:
Although AFSCME and Risk Management staff disagree as to whether the
employees were properly taken care of, Risk Management has changed some
procedures in response to AFSCME' s complaints . They include:
• Referring all employees to Public Health for care and counseling,
regardless of whether the employee has had a blood-to-blood contact
as defined by OSHA.
• Placement of stickers on all first aid boxes that direct employees to
call Public Health if they contact another' s blood.
• Increased our efforts to ensure gloves are inside of all first aid
boxes, so that a barrier is available to prevent a blood-to-blood
contact .
Many employers provide no information on bloodborne pathogens to their
employees not covered by the program. To ensure County employees have a safe
workplace, as respects the bloodborne pathogens exposure, the County
provides :
• Gloves (in the first aid boxes) to prevent blood exposure.
• Annual safety articles on how to prevent blood exposures .
• Training on blood exposures and prevention as part of office safety
classes . (The last class was presented June. 7, 1995, at the Probation
Department. )
• Training by Risk Management in conjunction with Public Health for
select classifications .
Although classifications which have incidental exposure to blood do not come
under the County's Bloodborne Pathogens Program, the County continues to make
every effort to provide a safe workplace, and we are open to any suggestions
that will enhance employee safety.
Attachments
COVERAGE
r
The classes of employees covered by this policy are:
Firefighters (who may be involved in rescues)
Deputy Sheriffs: patrol, jail, morgue, and crime lab
Probation Counselors: Juvenile Hall and Byron Boys' Ranch
Probation Custodial Staff: Juvenile Hall
Public Works: Airport fire-rescue crew
Public Health Nurses
Public Health Lab Techs
Public Health Plebotomists
Public Health Aides
Physicians _
Environmental Health Inspectors
Emergency Medical Technicians
District Attorney: all attorneys and investigators on
Homicide call out.
all attorneys and investigators on
Protocol call out.
all attorneys and investigators who
handle physical evidence
contaminated by blood/body fluid
all attorneys and investigators who
handle persons at risk during
arrest, transportation,
searching, and booking.
This would include
Welfare Inspectors.
ATTACHMENT A
\`PN FE District Council 57
e ti� 0v�
`2�o d f1 Martinez Office
Q � Z
1000 Court Street
e
MUNICIPAL -
/r T Martinez, California 94553-1733
MPLO`!E� AFL-CIO Tel: (510) 228-4400
Fax: (510) 228-4472
June 15, 1995 RECEIVE®
" �JUN 2 11995
Board of Supervisors
Contra Costa Count CLERK BOARD OE SUPERVBSORS
Y CONTRA COSTA CO.
651 Pine Street, 1 st floor
Martinez, CA 94553
RE: Blood Borne Pathogens Policy
Dear Board Members:
AFSCME Local 512 is deeply concerned with the continual refusal of the Risk Management
Department to revise the current Contra Costa County 'Blood Borne Pathogens Policy,' to include
Probation Supervisor I's. And Risk Management continues to deny additional training in this
area for the entire county.
The issue of blood borne transmission came to this union's direct attention after a stabbing
incident July 13, 1994, at the Probation Office, 50 Douglas Drive, Martinez. Two-,of our
members, Probation Supervisors I's, came to the aid of a stabbing victim and thus in direct
contact with the victim's blood.
Following the incident there was a complete breakdown in the notification procedure to these
employees by the county. The county failed to notify these employees of measures and safety
procedures they needed to take after having come into contact with the blood. Part of the
breakdown problem was because idieir classificatioi.iS lict iaclu,-d in'LlIe %C'ola i j'S PoliCI
AFSCME Local 512 requests that you review our enclosed correspondence on this issue. We
request that you direct the Risk Management Department to include our members in this policy.
Furthermore we request that Risk Management schedule training that includes public health
representation.
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Board of Supervisors
6/15/95
Page 2
re y,
M HICKS, Business Agent
AFSCME Local 512
opeiu3 afl-cio(253)j ep
Attachments
cc: Joe Tonda
Leslie Knight
Irene Bergamini
Samuel Jiminez
Local 512 Board
wp:bs950615
\`PN F oOF9 District Council 57
Martinez Office
� z
MUNICIPAL 1000 Court Street
Fy E5 Martinez, California 94553-1733
P� Y E Tel: (510) 228-4400
AFL-CIO Fax: (510)228-4472'
February 16, 1995
Mr. Joe Tonda
Risk Management
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, 6th floor
Martinez, CA 94553
RE: Blood Borne Policy
AFSCME Local 512 disagrees with your February 6, 1995,response to our December 19, 1994,
grievance,regarding the Probation Department's Blood Borne Disease Policy. We disagree with
your opinion to exclude the Probation Supervisor I classification from the list of those covered in
the Blood Borne Policy.
Our member Irene Bergamini expressed several reasons and examples that demonstrated the
need for this classification to be covered. We believe it is better to be safe than sorry,
particularly given the recent situation. Additionally our member Samuel Jiminez has advised us
that no one from your office contacted him or left a message. Mr. Jiminez states that Ms.
Bergamini contacted him, after she had spoken to Larry Moss. Mr. Moss was suppose to call
Mr. Jiminez, however no call or voice mail message was received.
AFSCME Local 512 requests that the Probation Supervisor I classification be included in the
Blood Borne Policy.
41MZHICKS,
Business Agent
AFSCME Local 512
opeiu3 afl-cio(25 3)j ep
cc: Irene Bergamini
Samuel Jiminez
Larry Moss
Leslie Knight
Board of Supervisors
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
County Administrator Contra Liability Claims (510)646-4155
Risk Management Costa Risk Administration (510)646-2014
9 Safety (510)646-2203
County Administration Building Vocational Rehabilitation (510)646-2239
651 Pine Street,6th Floor Workers'Compensation (510)646-2926
County
Martinez,California 94553 Fax Number (510)646-2547
i .f.y' WYO
CLQ., ``. •.•�P
February 6, 1995
Jim Hicks
AFSCME
1000 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Dear Mr. Hicks :
I am responding to your December 29, 1994 letter to Gerald
Buck, County Probation Officer; on possible blood exposures to two
Probation Department employees.
The Blood Borne Pathogens Law was written for employees in
positions in which a blood-to-blood exposure is anticipated.
Occasions in which employees are exposed to othersblood on an
"incidental" basis are not included in the Blood Borne Pathogen
Law.
On July 13, 1994, there was an incident at the Probation
Office at 50 Douglas Drive, Martinez in which two Probation
employees in the Probation Supervisor I classification assisted a
stabbing victim. I commend employees Irene Bergamini and Sam
Jiminez for their heroic acts in assisting the victim.
Risk Management, after receiving the incident report on June
17 , 1994, contacted Ms. Bergamini 's supervisor and talked to Ms .
Bergamini regarding the incident. Risk Management also left a
phone message for Mr. Sam Jiminez, who never returned the call. In
talking to Ms . Bergamini, the Risk Management representative
understood there was no ,blood-to-blood contact exposure.
Although the employee contacted the victim' s blood, the Risk
Management representative understood there were no open wounds on
the employee that would create a blood-to-blood exposure. At a
later date we understand that employee was advised by a nurse
friend and a nurse in Public Health she should have been referred
immediately to Public Health. On checking with the Infection
Control Coordinator nurse at Merrithew Hospital, we were advised
that this was not necessary as there was no blood-to-blood contact.
On September 16, 1994 , Larry Moss and I met with you and Irene
Bergamini to discuss the July incident and what the County has
communicated to employees regarding blood-to-blood exposures: As
we pointed out, Risk Management communicated with County employees
on prevention of blood exposures through the September- 1992 and
March 1993 "Safety Signals, " which are sent to all. County
Department Safety Coordinators for distribution to employees, and
through monthly first aid and CPR classes that are offered to
employees . At our September meeting, Risk Management also agreed
to send out another "Safety Signals" bulletin on blood exposures
which was done in fall, 1994 . In addition, we distributed stickers
to departments to place on the front of Department first aid boxes
which state, "Call County Public Health if you have had contact
with someone' s blood, 313-6740 (5-6740) ."
Measures the Probation Department has taken to inform its
employees on blood-to-blood exposures include offering an
Infectious Disease class taught annually by Francie Wise or her
staff of the Communicable Disease Division in Public Health, and a
December 1993 office safety class which covered "incidental"
exposures . The office safety class will again be offered to
Probation Department employees in 1995 . Probation employees are
also offered the Countywide first aid and CPR classes . These
classes are open to all Probation Department employees .
As we pointed out in our September meeting, the classification
of Probation Supervisor I is not included in the listing of
positions covered in the Probation Department' s blood borne policy
because it has not been shown they have a reasonably anticipated
blood-to-blood exposure except on an "incidental" basis . Although
employees in that classification may occasionally handle urine
samples, that is not a reason for blood borne policy inclusion.
Any potential altercation in connection with making an arrest is
handled by requesting assistance of law enforcement personnel .
While altercations may be anticipated with counselors handling
Juvenile Hall detainees, that is not the case with the Probation
Supervisor I classification.
As outlined above, employees who contact another person' s
blood have been instructed to call Public Health. Furthermore,
Risk Management will ensure compliance through review of injury
reports . We are available to work with you in reviewing the County
policy on blood borne pathogens and communicating with County
employees regarding blood-to-blood exposures .
Sincerely,
1
SEPH J. TO A
Risk Manager
JJT:py
cc: Phil Batchelor
Leslie Knight
Larry Moss
Irene Bergamini
Samuel Jiminez
Board of Supervisors
Richard Cabral
Wendel Brunner, M.D
Attachments :
Safety Newsletters
First Aid Sticker
SAFETY SIGNALS
Safety News and Information for Employees of
Contra Costa County
FALL 1994
BLOOD EXPOSURES EDUCATION IS IWORTANT IN THE
PREVENTION OF LYME DISEASE
RISK. It's a word that means November through January is the peak
different things to different folks. period when the adult Western Black-
To a teenager, skateboarding is risky legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus) that
and that's what makes it fun. To most can transmit Lyme Disease are out. The
of us old folks past the teenage era, a adult ticks can. be found on tips of
skateboard means a possible broken vegetation, typically along animal
ankle. But other risks have no trails or paths as they "quest" or wait
discrimination as to age and health. for animals or human hosts to brush
Contacting another person's HIV- or nearby.
hepatitis-infected blood may lead to
the same risk — the risk of death. Contra Costa County Mosquito & Vector
Control District wants everyone to know
If you touch another person's blood that the chances of being bitten by a
or bodily fluids to an area of your tick can be decreased by following just
body where there is an open wound, then a few guidelines .
you .risk the exposure to these
dangerous diseases. You can avoid this SIMPLE GUIDELINES CAN HELP YOU AVOID
risk by using latex gloves. Even if TICK BITES.
the person looks healthy, don't be
misled. Always use gloves. That's why ■ Wear light-colored clothing so
so many health care workers can treat ticks can be easily seen.
these deadly diseases — because they ■ Wear long pants, full-sleeved
minimize the risk every time they deal clothing, shoes, and a hat for added
with blood by using latex gloves . protection. -
■ Tuck pants into socks or boots, and
Be sure your first aid kit has shirt into pants.
several pairs of disposable latex ■ you may want to use a tick
gloves. Don't risk your life. And if .repellant on shoes, socks, pants and
you do contact another person's blood, shirt . Follow manufacturer ' s
call Occupational Health (3-1100) or directions.
Public Health (5-6740) for assistance. ■ Choose wide trails and walk in the
center of the trail . Avoid brush and
Now, fill in the blank: My coworker grassy off-trail hiking.
gashed her arm on the edge of a sharp ■ Frequently check yourself and your
cabinet. From my first aid training, I children for ticks on clothing and
knew I would help minimize the blood exposed skin.
flow with pressure from my hands . But
first, I dashed to the first aid kit (Our thanks to EIa}ne Azevedo of the Conlra'`Costa
and got a pair of I
saved her life and possibly my own. Mosquito & Vector Control District for providing this
information. The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector
Control District is a special district providing public
*** ************* **** health service to residents of Contra Costa Count}.)
(over)
Rick Manneernent Division Safety Office
FLOORS AND OTHER TALES OF FRICTIOti Answer true or false.
Winter is off to a rip-roaring start . 7 . Most confrontations with clients
Five inches of rain in one storm, more can be avoided by how you present
on the way. It ' s time for the yourself to the client.
excitement to begin: solo—spin-outs,
slips and falls, and those once-a-year 8. A small exposure to asbestos can
ice capades. Every year we see these kill you.
injuries, so we thought a little
reminder will help: (Answers at bottom of this page.)
■ Please don't shake your umbrella *********************
out on the floors.
■ If the sidewalk looks icy, use SAFETY CLASSES OPEN
another entrance and report it to FOR ENROLLMENT
General Services Grounds Division at
extension- 6-4150. CPR & First Aid (Full day), 8 AM - 4 PM
■ Floors and sidewalks are all
designed with - a certain amount of ■ December 8, 1994, Thursday
friction. However, if you wear shoes ■ December 13, 1994, Tuesday
that are smooth, then all bets are off . January 25, 1995, Wednesday
and you may be inviting a fall. ■ February 16, 1995, Thursday
******************** CPR & First Aid Review, 8 AM - 1 PM
SAFETY QUIZ FOR GENIUSES (Must have taken CPR last year)
AND DUMMIES, PART II ■ January 10, 1995, Tuesday
■ February 28, 1995, Tuesday
1. Name the type of fire extinguisher
that exists in every County office. Please contact your Safety or Training
Coordinator if you are interested in
2. Abbreviation for Material Safety attending a safety class.
Data Sheet.
********************
3. When you - take time to adjust a
tool or workstation to suit your Answers to Safety Quiz:
physical needs, then you are practicing
good and will be 1. ABC — can be used on paper,
rewarded with a good and happy life chemical, and electrical fires.
(and maybe winning the ) . 2 . MSDS (Hope you got atleast this
one! )
4 . Generally, if you have a muscle 3. ergonomics, lottery
strain, you should apply in 4. cold, heat
the first 24 hours and 5. coughing
thereafter. 6. Velcro
7 . true
5. Tuberculosis can be spread by 8. false —asbestos kills when it is a
being in close contact with someone who cumulative exposure -_at certain
is repeatedly doses.
6. Computer hardware can easily be IVAO
!L A
secured to prevent movement during an
earthquake by the use of •
products. c�P�llQdyL
FIN d 9A
l� (A r S_
.VAFE1ff,v ArE. prS 1,pr
p, 1R-fA., rf9N FL 7R.
EMPLOYEES 9F ZVArFJ7A COSTA CgLrWry
MARCH 1993
SAFELY ADMINISTERING FIRST AID
You are .working one day when you within twenty-four hours after the
hear a co-worker cry out. You go to cut.
the co-worker and see blood running Prevention of blood-to-blood
from the to-worker's finger that was contact is usually handled by using
just slit on a sharp edge. Then disposable latex gloves. You should
YOU 000 . always use the disposable -latex
Most of us know how to complete gloves stored in the county first aid
the preceding sentence. We wouldn't box. (Check to see if your first aid
hesitate to wrap up someone else 's box has gloves, and call your safety
cut But since we do not handle coordinator if there are no gloves . )
injuries on a day-to-day basis , we If you are in a situation where
gloves are not available, ' then use
are sometimes not up-to-date on the
latest first aid procedures . In something that is not permeable, such
this instance, and anytime you are as a plastic sandwich bag.
handling someone else's blood, be If you do have a blood-to-blood
aware that the blood may have the contact, wash your hands immediately
hepatitis B virus or HIV and other with soap( then call your doctor or
deadly bloodborne diseases . If you the county's Public Health
are exposed to infected blood, you Communicable Disease Division at
may also become infected. 313-6740.
Blood-to-blood contact must be so to finish off our caring for
avoided when handling or touching our co-worker, we would conclude . . .
blood. If you can. be reasonably then you go to the first aid box, put
anticipated to be exposed at work to on a pair of disposable latex gloves,
blood or othe3; potentially and then get the appropriate
infectious body fluids on a fairly bandages.
frequent basis, such as with the
sheriff deputies, firefighters,- or APRIL - EARTHQUAKE
hospital staff, then you are covered PREPAREDNESS MONTH
under the new Bloodborne Pathogens
Standards. Most of us are not April is designated as Earthquake
covered under this policy but may
have an exposure to blood during our Preparedness-Month to commemorate the
lives . Blood-to-blood contact can 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. This
occur when an open cut on your body is a good reminder for us to check
is in contact with someone else' s our emergency supplies and ',our,
blood, in contact with body fluids emergency action plans for both home
mixed with blood, or splashes in the and work.
mouth, eyes , or other open skin Some of the basic items that
areas . Generally, a finger cut has should be checked are listed below:
a protective skin membrane over it (over)
4
Earthquake Preparedness (cont. ) + Do not exit your car or roll
down a car window to speak with
• Food, water and medication a stranger if you are involved
supplies for at least three in a minor traffic accident.
(and an extra pair of Exchange insurance information
prescription eyeglasses, if through the window and motion to
applicable. ) the other driver to follow you
An_ adequate supply of to the nearest well-populated
blankets. location.
* Replace the batteries in + Keep car keys separate from
emergency flashlights and other personal . keys and avoid
portable radios . carrying unnecessary valuables
«Have a family emergency plan in your car. If your car is
and review it with family stolen, the thief will have
members. your vehicle registration with
* Make sure an out-of-bay-area your home address, so have
telephone contact for your home locks changed and immedi-
family has been designated, ately notify authorities.
since local telephone lines + Remember that carjacking is a
can be affected during earth- form of auto theft and is
quakes. - generally covered by your
* Check utility box accesses to automobile comprehensive
make sure they are easily insurance coverage. Potential
accessible. loss of your car is not worth
risking bodily injury or death.
AVOID BECOMING A CARJACK VICTIM (Our thanks to California State
Automobile Association for their
Carjacking is a serious, often permission to reprint this article. )
violent crime. California State
Automobile Association offers these
safety tips to drivers : Quotable Quotes
Keep doors locked and windows The following quotes, taken from
up whenever you are in your the Toronto News, are actual state-
car. Be especially cautious ments found on insurance forms where
at stops signs, in parking drivers attempted to summarize the
lots, and in remote areas. details of an accident in the fewest
♦ Honk your car horn and attempt words possible.
to cautiously drive to the « The telephone pole was approach-
nearest well-populated and ing, I was attempting to swerve out
well-lit location if danger of its way, when it struck my front
seems imminent. If you have a end.,
cellular phone, call 911 « A pedestrian hit me and went
immediately. under my car.
Surrender your car keys on the « The guy was all over the road. I
first request if accosted by a had to swerve a number of times
would-be carjacker. If you before I hit him.
determine it is safe to do so,
« I pulled away from the side of
d
attempt to exit through a car the road, glanced at my mother-
door on the opposite side of in-law, and headed over the
the carjacker's location to embankment.
avoid any contact with them. ' I had been driving for 44 years
Plan ahead! Know how to reach when I fell asleep at the wheel and
your destination before had an accident.
beginning any car trip. Study « I was thrown from my car as it
maps ahead of time and be wary left the road. I was later found in
-of asking for directions from a ditch by some stray cows .
or appearing lost stran-
gens .
rrA, F
SAFE77Y NEWS, AN17 MrFgRAM r1VZ;F FL7R
EAfFL9YEES 9F CgAMRA CgS.M e9LrArTY
SEPTEMBER 1.992
WRIST RESTS - TO USE OR NOT TO USEI That's what it's all about:
personalizing your work space so it
Carpal...tunnel injuries are not fits you. If these "solutions" do not
fun--ask anyone who's had carpal help, then maybe you are better off
tunnel. So if a company tells you without it. Remember, the sole
that you can purchase something for function of a wrist rest is to assist
$50 that will prevent carpal you in keeping your wrist straight.
tunnel, you would jump on it, If you can do that on your own, then
right? you don't need a wrist rest. Give it
to someone else, but don't use it
The wrist rest is a good tool just because you bought it--which
that would be helpful to many brings up the final point.
computer users, but not all. The
county can purchase them for $30 to Before you buy one, "test drive"
$50, depending I on the style, someone else's wrist rest. If you
material, and cushion. In most can't find one to test drive, then
instances, it will do what it was call the Safety office at 6-2203, and
designed to do: keep your wrist out we' ll loan you one.
straight and thus avoid the "bent
wrist" position that can create
carpal tunnel problems. However,
some folks will 'Lind that it is not BLOODBORNE, DISEASES
for them.
if you've gone to the emergency
One solution to the comfort room or to your dentist lately,
factor is to move the wrist rest you've probably noticed the staff
back two to three inches from the wearing gloves. The gloves serve
keyboard, creating a little gap so as barriers for protection from HIV
that your wrist bones are and Hepatitis B infections .
free-floating over the gap while Healthcare workers are - not the only
your forearms rest on the wrist people exposed to bloodborne
rest. This will give you greater diseases. You may be exposed to
mobility and decrease pressure on blood during rescues and handling
,;'_,he "tunnel" area beneath the wrist assaultive behavior. If so, you
bones . should follow safe practices , such as
using gloves--and special bags ,
Another solution is to modify
,.:he wrist rest . if it' s the "Bloodborne Pathogens" police
%.4-:
nate-ial or hardness that bothers W' ' l be distributed sooa. o_r
yc,u, then go to a fabric store . w-.,o may be exoosed to blood. A
::here you ' ll find soft fabric and
--r:oar,, to Personalize the wrist rest (over)
-o --uit your wrist and style .
Bloodborne Pathogens (Cont 'd. ) Safety Classes Open for Enrollment
vaccine will be available for ♦ CPR/1st Aid Class
certain job classifications, as Thursday, October 1
well as annual training in safe 8 :00 a.m. to 4 : 00 p.m.
handling practices . For—those who
may only be exposed on a rare first ♦ CPR/1st Aid Class
aid exposure, there is no policy. Wednesday, October 21
However, a simple prevention 8:00 a.m. to 4 : 00 p.m.
technique is to always use a
barrier when handling bloodstained ♦ Users' Video Display Terminal
areas. A non-permeable piece of Training
plastic, such as a sandwich bag Wednesday, September 30
from your lunch, is adequate. If 8:30 - 10 :00 a.m.
you are exposed, wash the blood off
and seek medical care as soon as ♦ Defensive Drivers ' Training
possible. Intact skin exposure is Thursday, October 8
not a problem as long as there are AM Session - 8: 30 - 12 noon
no open wounds or skin problems. PM Session - 12 : 30 - 4 :00 PM
However, blood splashed .in the eyes
should be treated as an exposure. Please contact your Safety or
Training Coordinator if you would
like additional information on these
********* classes.
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GALL COUNTY
PUBLIC HEALTH
IF YOU HAVE HAD
CONTACT WITH
SOMEONE'S BLOOD.
313-6740
(5-6740)
FEo11 District Council 57
`yA d Martinez Office
a z
MVNICIPAL 1000 Court street
e y Martinez.California 94553-1733
M�'[pVE� AFL-CIO Tel: (510)228.4400
Fax:(510)228-4472
December 29, 1994
Mr. Gerald S. Buck,
County Probation Officer
Contra Costa County
50 Douglas Drive Ste. 201
Martinez,CA 94553
RE: Employee Safety
Dear Mr. Buck:
AFSCME Local 512 has been reviewing the employee safety procedures of the Probation
Department and those of Contra Costa County. We found that the Department failed to provide
necessary information to employees who came into contact with blood and/or bodily fluids. The
Risk Management Division also failed to notify and properly explain procedures on this same
issue. AFSCME Local 512 members Irene Berganiini and Samuel Jimenez assisted a stabbing
victim at the 50 Douglas Drive, Martinez site. The efforts of these two employees saved the
victim from dying,however both members came into direct contact with the victim's blood.
In meetings with both Joe Tonda and Larry Moss, AFSCME found serious disagreements as to
what steps should have been taken after this incident. However one thing is clear that no steps
were taken by either Risk Management or the Probation Department to contact these employees
to advise them of the medical attention and advise they should receive. The only contact from
the County was to establish the county's liability toward the victim because of the medical aide
provided by our members.
Ms.Bergamini and Mr.Jimenez should have been referred to their personal physicians or a
public health facility. Medications to prevent some communicable diseases need to be
administered within 48 hours of exposure. However due to the department's lack of notification
the information was never provided by the Department or the County. The employees were
provided the information from outside sources 3 weeks later.
We discovered in our review that the Probation Department and Risk Management were both
fully aware of the steps and procedures that should have been taken. The Department and the
County failed to follow their own procedures. They failed to file the required Incident Report
and to notified the Public Health Department.
ATTACHMENT E
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Mr. Buck
12/299/94
Page 2
Once Public Health was advised they went to work immediately with the safety steps necessary
for the employees, including a request of the victim and the employees for an HIV test,
fortunately all agreed and all have shown to be negative.
AFSCW Local 512 demands that a Countywide Policy be established that requires all managers
and supervisors to be trained and to train all employees of the necessary procedures and steps
that need to be taken in any similar incident. The policy should include disciplinary action for
non-compliance. We also request that the Public Health Department be contacted and included
in the formation and implementation of such a policy. Additionally the current county policy on
bloodborne pathogens should be reviewed. Our members'classification was excluded from the
current listing and should not have been.
We request a meeting be scheduled to discuss your response.
Siincerely
OFUCKS,Business Agent
Local 512
opeiu3 afl-cio(25 3)j ep
cc: Phil Batchelor
Les Knight
�Tonda
Larry Moss
Irene Bergamini
Samuel Jimenez
Board of Supervisors
Richard Cabral
Wendel Brunner, MD