EE with Open Sores

LindaS

I have received a complaint from several EEs that another EE, who works in our Maintenance Dept. has a continuing problem with either open sores or scratching existing sores to the point they bleed, sometimes through his shirt. In addition, these EEs have stated that this EE picks at the scabs and "flicks" them onto the floor.

Other EEs do not want to work near him as they do not know what the problem is and, based on their statements, this has been going on for quite a while (more than one year). This EE works around others frequently when repairing machines, etc.

I am now being asked to do something about it and am not sure where our authority/limitation lies. Am looking for some assistance.

BTW - This EE is mroe than 50 years old and cries "discrimination" whenever we have to address issues with him.

Thanks.

LarryC

Well Linda, I'll give this a shot.

Anytime someone is "bleeding through his shirt", he should be removed from the game. Bleeders, no matter what age, do not belong at the workplace. Tell him your concern is for himself and the other employees. You have a responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy work environment which does not include loose blood. Urge him to see his doctor with the instruction that he cannot be allowed back into the workplace until he and his doctor can contain his indiscriminate bleeding and have written assurance that the problem has been addressed and that he can return to work under your guidelines.

What the sam hell is wrong with him anyway, Linda? Is he a leper?

E Wart

Don't laugh. I heard someone from the CDC talking the other day regarding the US illegal imigration issues. One of the things they mentioned was that diseases on the rise that previously were "wiped out" in the US. Including measles, TB, and lepersy!
E Wart

Paul in Cannon Beach

Basic bloodborne pathogen stuff here. You dont mess around with blood exposure.

Tell the ee all sores must be covered with bandages to prohibit exposure to others.

Any sign of blood on clothing requires the ee properly remove, store or dispose, and change clothes.

The ee should come to work with his sores properly bandaged but he should also be told that if necessary, access the first aid kit on premises.

Nothing negotiable here.