Fecal Matter

2284103 · October 2005

Has anyone ever heard of having to handle a situation where an employee has an obvious health problem and has not made it to the bathroom in time?

We had a 3rd occurance this morning and this time we are certain who it is. The other 2 times, we had video tape from around the elevators, which are right next to the hall to the restrooms. This person appeared on the tapes during the time frame it had to have happened, but we could not be sure (other people were in the area during that time frame as well). Today's tape leaves no further questions.

We're not talking about a little bit of a mess (excuse the pun) in the bathroom itself. We are talking major damage to carpeting in and around the elevators and the hall to the bathroom, besides inside the bathroom.

I know it's a double edge sword. We have to be concerned for the safety of our other employees and tenants, but we also have to consider the employee and an apparant medical problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

TN HR · October 2005

I would think that you would treat it in the same manner as someone who vomited in a common area. I cannot imagine the condition, however, I would assume it is possible for someone to lose bowel control to such an extent that htis would happen. If this is soemthing that continues, you may suggest sending the person to a physician, much the same way you would send someone for a fitness for duty and see if incontinence briefs are an option.

Good luck.

Gene

HRinGA · October 2005

I would also assume this person needs to change clothes and shower!
If this is the 3rd time, follow Genes's advice. EE needs help and should see a physician. You cannot allow this to go on, for the safety and sanity of other employees.

LarryC · October 2005

Not to scare the world or anything, but this happened to two different people at my wife's work just recently. Is there something going around? Christ! I hope I don't get THAT!!! I feel like showering just from reading this thing.

Gillian3 · October 2005

As I understand it, it is a malady which has started in Arizona and has made it's way Northeast to Minnesota. You should probably stock up on Depends just in case.

2284103 · October 2005

Do you know how they handled it at your wife's work?

TN HR · October 2005

Very delicately? xclap

LarryC · October 2005

Thanks, Gillian. I'm not into Depends yet and don't ever plaqn on it.

How they handled it, 2284103, was to send the affected ones home to change. Lots of embarrassment involved.

SMace · October 2005

He may have PPS. This can be controlled several ways. See your medical professional.

System · October 2005

Uh, what is PPS??

Kathy Carlson

SMace · October 2005

Kathy, I've been waiting very patiently for somone to ask. Thanks for biting. It's Poopy Pants Syndrome.

Whirlwind · October 2005

I didn't ask because I'd already made a professional medical determination that PPS stood for Precipitative Pooping Syndrome.

System · October 2005

You know, I was a professional journalist before I came to work at M. Lee Smith, so I love to ask the tough questions!!

marc · October 2005

We can say Poop now?

HRgal · October 2005

My husband just finished treatment for colon cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy can have this effect on you. It was an embarassing problem until we got depends.

He is past that stage now and doing better. There could be other medical reasons why this would happen, but it definitly needs to be checked out with the employee.

Good Luck!!

System · October 2005

That puts it all in perspective. Glad to hear your husband is doing better, and you too, I'm sure. And everyone else out there over 50 or with a family history of colon cancer or your doc suggests -- get a colonoscopy... it's not that bad.

Kathy Carlson

2284103 · October 2005

Thanks to all of you. Our employee saw a doctor yesterday and brought in a statement that he could return to work as the incontinence was resolved. Hopefully, it was a simple matter of needing medication and he won't have the problem in the future. I guess time will tell, but we are accepting the doctor's assurance at this point.
Thanks again.

atrimble · October 2005

Another medical condition that may cause this is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 82% of IBS sufferers actually get the opposite effect when the syndrome flares up, but about 18% of us end up running to the restroom like the poster's employee.

(And not to throw myself a pity party, but my particular condition is classified as "stress-induced IBS" which means I'm more likely to have to run to the potty in situations that are hardest to get out of. Imagine performing a job interview, or leading a training session and having to excuse one's self, maybe repeatedly. Doc prescribes me "downers" to control the impulse.)

I'd suggest not embarrassing an employee with a condition like this. IBS CAN be classified as a serious health condition (as a chronic condition), and may progress to a disability if it's not properly treated. If you can accurately identify the "culprit," you may want to approach a discussion as you would a request for reasonable accommodation (such as relocating their desk, offering shorter more frequent breaks, etc.).

If it ends up you're working with a fecophile, treat it as a behavior problem and discipline (maybe including clean up).

Rockie · October 2005

We had an issue like this with an employee at a hospital where I previously worked. She was confined to a wheelchair for many years and occasionally had accidents at work. She kept a set of clean clothes with her and she finally had to start wearing depends.

The HR Dept. was close by and my assistant was kind enough to run out to help out at the switchboard when the need arose.

I think since you have identified the individual, having a frank discussion with them and trying to find out what their problem is and if they have sought help would be the best thing to do. It's hard to believe that someone having these problems won't seek help.

Good luck!

Fecal Matter

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