Community Chat

[hyacinth003]

My daughter is a part-time, minimum wage, employee at a fast food restaurant.

One night last week, she was told to clean up the men's washroom from a blood mess.

Speculation was possibly a bloody nose from someone.

As an RN, I asked her what precautions they provided for her. She said they called the manager, and were told she should double glove and use hot water and bleach for the blood.

I was upset and told her after than as an RN, I would not clean up a blood mess with just that. I told her she needed eye protection (even her own sunglasses would be better than nothing) and a disposable cover for her work clothing besides gloves.

She casually said to the supervisory person that night that she felt not completely protected. She was told that since the blood was dry that that's all she needed.

I am upset with this, and have tried to look it up. The regs I find mostly cover laboratory situations. She has begged me not to "make trouble" or they will fire her.

I think they should provide a biohazard kit, as they do all the cleaning in the facility, and why wouldn't it happen again?

Anyone have any knowledge of this?

Hyacinth

[RedTop]

I would check with the local health department, and see how they would have addressed this situation from a restaurant health standard. I agree the restaurant manager should have handled this differently, and staff should be trained on how to handle blood situations in the restaurant.

[serenity4ever]

Hyacinth, was cleaning the restroom part of the description of her duties at her job? I am so sorry you have this worry. I would check with her physician and ask whether she was put in any kind of danger...

[Irshgrl31201]

OSHA has rules and regulations on how bloodborne pathogens are supposed to be cleaned up. I was at Target one day and a little girl got a nosebleed. Employees with special equipment and special training came out to clean it up.

[deepwaterdotter]

On 4/29/2014 RedTop said:

I would check with the local health department, and see how they would have addressed this situation from a restaurant health standard. I agree the restaurant manager should have handled this differently, and staff should be trained on how to handle blood situations in the restaurant.

Excellent advice that should ease the OP's worries.

[tansy]

I would probably report the incident, hyacinth, to the local health department. Your daughter's been there for a while now. I hope she's looking for another job.

[hyacinth003]

I believe her employer has violated OSHA regulations.

The problem is what, if anything, to do. She's an adult and I don't want to interfere if it's not appropriate.

Also, a complaint may bring retribution to her.

But it makes me crazy to know she's being exposed to something like that. Since they do all the cleaning in the restaurant, it or something similar can happen again. I know I can't put her in a bubble, but protection and training are available.

I have educated her, but she needs the safety equipment too.

Hyacinth

[Irshgrl31201]

OP, I don't know what state you work in but just google OSHA Guide to Restaurant Safety. Every state should have one. I haven't worked in a restaurant in a while but we always had guidelines, safety equipment and OSHA approved cleaning supplies we had to use in case of bodily fluids. I worked in a bar and occasionally someone would throw up in the bathroom and we had strict guidelines we had to follow from contaminating ourselves or others.

OSHA determines these rules and the rules aren't a suggestion to the restaurant but guidelines to be followed.

[hyacinth003]

As a RN, I know what I'm getting in to.

Other people like this aren't expected to know and should have themselves protected by those who do.

I suppose there are hazards most everywhere when you think about it!!

Hyacinth

[Hoovermom]

Could you report this anonymously and maybe they would do a health check without revealing what happened to your DD?