Health Care Worker Exposure Risk Matrix
Over the weekend, SUN was advised the SHA updated the Risk Classification for Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers (HCWs) with Potential Exposure to COVID-19 Patients/Resident/Clients in Healthcare Settings document. The document was updated to provide “additional clarity” regarding exposure and isolation procedures for staff.
The SHA has advised:
- When the asymptomatic patient is not exhibiting respiratory symptoms (cough, sneezing) and the HCW is wearing a mask but not eye protection the exposure was deemed to be low risk and the HCW should self-monitor not self-isolate.
- The risk assessment should be based on the symptoms exhibited at the time the health worker was exposed to the patient/resident/client. If there were no respiratory symptoms (cough or sneezing) at the time of the patient/resident interaction with the HCW then this would be deemed low risk and the HCW should self-monitor not self-isolate.
WHAT IS SUN DOING?
- SUN believes the Health Care Worker Exposure Risk Matrix remains unclear and may result in inconsistent application across the province and further clarity around the new directive is still required.
- SUN continues to ask questions regarding best practices and evidence related to assessing the risk to our members in different circumstances when caring for asymptomatic patients (e.g. wearing a mask but not wearing eye protection).
- SUN will continue to seek additional information and raise questions and concerns about exposure risk assessments and employer direction to self-isolate or self-monitor.
RISK MATRIX - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- To ensure your own safety, members should wear the mask, goggles, and face shield they have been issued, when dealing with a suspected or confirmed COVID patient – regardless of symptoms.
- If you are currently in self-isolation, your Employer/Manager may conduct an assessment and require you to return to work, in accordance with the updated Health Care Worker Exposure Risk Matrix.
- Members are advised, if called back to work, to ensure they are wearing their mask, goggles, and face shields.
- If you have any questions, please contact SUN Provincial’s Duty Roster.
UPDATE: Expired and Reprocessed N95 Respirators
In the November 6 COVID Response Weekly Recap, SUN advised members that reprocessed and expired N95 respirators had been in circulation at some sites and used by healthcare workers. Since the November 6 communication, SUN has received the following information in response to a number of questions we posed:
- Aug. 14 reprocessing of N95 respirators started; Oct. 1 all reprocessed N95 respirators were removed from the floor at the worksite in question.
- No other reprocessing sites reported the use of reprocessed N95 respirators.
- All reprocessed N95 respirators, at all sites, were moved to a central storage facility. Reprocessing of N95 respirators, at all sites, was paused on Oct. 28.
- It was noted that it was possible that some of that provincial pandemic respirator supply may still be in facilities, the primary challenge recalling any remaining provincial pandemic respirator supply is the difficulty identifying them due to a lack of record-keeping by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
WHAT IS SUN DOING?
While to the best of our knowledge, the use of expired or reprocessed N95 respirator has been localized, SUN continues to follow up with the SHA and monitor the use of reprocessed and expired N95 Respirators across the province.
EXPIRED N95s - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Members are reminded at this time, no expired or reprocessed N95 respirators should be used under any circumstances.
If you come across stock or are asked to use an expired or reprocessed N95, please talk to your Local or Worksite OHS Representative immediately.
Do you have questions for SUN's EROs/NPOs?
Contact Duty Roster @
Regina Saskatoon
1-800-667-7060 1-800-667-3294
regina@sun-nurses.sk.ca saskatoon@sun-nurses.sk.ca
