Environmental Health & Engineering

An important reminder during #PatientSafetyAwarenessWeek - studies show that more than half of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) related to Aspergillus are caused by construction activities in #hospitals. ? Construction generates dust that can carry fungal spores into patient areas if construction areas and air from those areas are not isolated and monitored. This dust can prove deadly to sensitive immunocompromised populations. Traditional air quality monitoring methods are slow and inefficient, often providing data too late to respond in real-time. Hospitals can better protect patients and get peace of mind with a 24/7 construction monitoring system. This solution delivers immediate alerts to the construction team and hospital stakeholders so they can resolve issues before they become a problem. ? Watch this video to learn how it works. #PSAW25 #infectionprevention ? More about our 24/7 construction monitoring: https://lnkd.in/eEtujDBi ? Learn 4 ways 24/7 construction monitoring makes healthcare facilities safer: https://lnkd.in/eaqQeAbg

New #buildingcommissioning has been widely recognized as a best practice for decades, yet there are still common misconceptions about the process. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can lead to an insufficient scope leaving building owners and managers vulnerable to undetected issues, voided warranties, #construction rework and costly repercussions. My latest blog post clears up nine of the most common myths to help ensure that you get the system performance you paid for from day one. #MEP #QAQC https://lnkd.in/eWXTKCzt

The #JointCommission is more closely aligning with CMS and streamlining its #accreditation process. Some changes are already in effect while the merger of the EC and LS chapters into one Physical Environment chapter is now more likely to occur in 2026. This shift may bring a sigh of relief for #healthcarefacility managers due for survey this year but leaves those due in 2026 in uncertain territory. ? For a breakdown of what’s in place now, what’s coming in 2026, and the potential upsides and downsides for FMs, check out this quick update. https://lnkd.in/e8gVZ3Tj

Hungry for an opportunity to apply the skills you’ve learned in the real world? Come talk with Ian G. Black, SHRM-CP and the EH&E team at the Keene State College Safety & Construction Career Fair tomorrow! We’re bringing the experts and the snacks! #ehs #industrialhygiene #buildingcommissioning #analytics. https://lnkd.in/ehzg8TJf

The impact of wildfire smoke is not restricted to the immediate region of the fire. Building owners and managers can’t control external factors like wildfires, but they can control how prepared their buildings are. A wildfire smoke readiness plan is crucial for safe building operations. Learn how proactive planning today can ensure swift, effective action in this post. https://buff.ly/JGIPe9E #Wildfires #IAQ #EmergencyManagement #FacilityManagement

Kicking off the career fair season today at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Job & Internship Expo! Stop by table #5 and talk with Ian G. Black, SHRM-CP about our open positions! https://lnkd.in/evAr8Qyj #ehs #careerfair

Prevention of patient infections related to the physical environment requires a strong understanding of the infection transmission process – specifically the sources and pathways. When one of these elements is removed, or ideally both, you can prevent and disrupt the infection chain. Our in-depth guide details the critical infection risks related to the healthcare physical environment, how they arise and steps to proactively prevent them. Download your copy today! https://buff.ly/4jUMM4L #infectionprevention #patientsafety #hospitals #healthcarefacilities #facilitymanagement

Measles is here and preparations for incoming patients are underway. Texas and New Mexico health departments have 100+ cases-to-date with advisories about potential exposures in public spaces including restaurants, airports, and college. Unannounced entry into a hospital ED presents exposure risks to other patients, families and staff. Approximately 90% of susceptible persons in close contact with measles will develop the disease. APIC released the Measles Playbook online and I am pleased to have contributed to the latest version. It includes sections on Case Identification, Prevent Transmission, Providing Patient Care, Patient Discharge, Occupational Health, and Outreach Communications. Particular attention is on PPE, air changes/hour (ACH) and time required for airborne-contaminant removal by efficiency in a vacated space by a positive patient-up to 2 hours, availability of airborne infection isolation room?(AIIR), and employee exposure/furlough considerations. Measles Playbook: https://apic.org/measles/

Attention University of Massachusetts Dartmouth students! We will be attending the Spring 2025 Job & Internship Expo on Feb. 27 and we want to talk to you! Do you have an interest in environmental health & safety or #indoorairquality? How about a career in #consulting? Make sure to stop by and chat with Ian G. Black, SHRM-CP about all the exciting opportunities at EH&E. https://buff.ly/4i6uVGu #graduatestudents #ehs #careerfair

Are you implementing a BSL2+ space? Download this expert guide for insights on: ? Conducting the biosafety risk assessment ? Selecting an appropriate laboratory space ? Identifying and modifying BSL-3 practices ? Details and logistics that require careful consideration before implementation https://buff.ly/4gRI5G1 #biosafety #laboratory #labsafety