Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 6th June 2024 Issue no. 1117
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International News
Products Metsä Group's tissue paper business receives fifth Platinum Rating in EcoVadis evaluation for 2024
Vitesy's Natede Smart air purifier detoxifies using natural ability of plants
 Essity invests in new R&D centre in France
Top three hit jackpot in 2024 Cintas Custodian of the Year contest
'Forever chemicals' found to rain down on all five North American Great Lakes
Implementing an effective trade border between the UK and the EU
Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Awards: the winners
Tennant announces Grand Prize Winner in fifth annual ‘Custodians Are Key’ program
Industrial wastewater treatment market to reach $ 206.81 billion by 2031
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Welcome to the Cleanzine
Must say that while checking over today’s news alerts I was gobsmacked to read this demonstrator’s sign, which suggests that the privatisation of cleaning and other support services will automatically increase the threat of hospital superbug infections. She was taking part in a rally, supported by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, at Ontario’s Etobicoke General Hospital against its plan to contract out 215 cleaning, portering, waste management and laundry services jobs. The story is that back in 2006, an outbreak of C. difficile at the state’s Sault Ste. Marie Hospital killed 10 patients directly and another eight indirectly, and that the hospital, which had privatised housekeeping services, was consequently forced to increase cleaning staff by 40% and institute a range of other measures. According to CUPE, which cites other examples too, management is making a similar mistake by privatising housekeeping and other services at Etobicoke, which it says will risk patient health & safety, increase hospital overcrowding and undermine infection control practices. Hmmmm…
CUPE claims that the “for-profit operator's motivation to maximise revenues will mean lower staffing levels, higher staff turnover and fractured teamwork between in-house staff and contracted out workers,” and that “contracting out hospital services such as cleaning is dangerous and unsafe and magnifies the risk of acquiring infections". It says that instead of contracting out "to cut costs," management should be investing resources in improving health & safety at a time when microbial resistance is causing higher rates of hospital acquired infections." I agree with CUPE’s claim that appropriate staffing levels and rigorous infection control practices are key to maintaining good hygiene in healthcare settings, but not its claim that these are automatically compromised by privatisation. My view is that if you choose your contractor wisely, the resultant increased efficiency within the cleaning processes, superior buying power and investment in the best technology - along with ongoing staff training, can pave the way to cuts in staff numbers while improving cleaning & hygiene standards enormously… That reductions in staffing levels don’t always reflect a need to cut costs but can stem from a contractor’s specialist experience and all-round positive input. Where do you stand on this one?
This Week's News
Taking steps to stop the spread of Legionnaire's Disease
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports a 900% increase in Legionnaire's disease cases between 2000 and 2018 in the US. Nexaro NR 1500 compact vacuum robot meets latest safety standard for commercial cleaning robots
Compliance with the safety standard and the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC has been tested and confirmed by the independent testing body TÜV Süd.  SBFM appoints Stuart Hamilton as chief strategy officer
Stuart joins SBFM's leadership team, after working at the investment fund Soho Square Capital for the past eight years. His work there focused on investing in high-growth business services companies, including Arcus FM and Churchill Group, where he was a non-executive director. Previous to that role, he worked at BDO public accounting, tax and advisory professional services firm, for eight years, where he trained as a chartered accountant before moving into the M&A team.  Over two-thirds of professionals uncomfortable about requesting mental health leave
New poll data from recruitment company Robert Walters highlights how unprepared employers are for the current 'mental health crisis' - the Government recently released plans to 'overhaul' the current sicknote system due to the number of professionals taking sick leave reaching a ‘10 year high' - primarily driven by a rise in mental health-related conditions and symptoms.   Clean Zero cleaning solution wins CBRE ESG Innovation Challenge 2024
Clean Zero impressed the judging panel with its ability to deliver superior cleaning performance without the use of harsh chemicals, significantly reducing the environmental impact of cleaning operations. Arena experience enhanced through sustainable hygiene management from Tork/Wells Fargo team-up
The venue requires comprehensive and precise operational coordination to accommodate the variety of events hosted onsite. Victory for migrant cleaners at South London private school
The workers, who hail from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Spain and Colombia, won all their demands - made in March this year, following successful negotiations with Blackheath Prep and cleaning contractor Westgate Cleaning. United and determined to down tools, they negotiated a deal which averted strike action. Waste management company fined after inadequately trained worker is seriously injured
The man was moving heavy duty electrical cables with the crowbar on a mobile elevating working platform in July 2021, when the bar came into contact with the live conductor, causing an electrical explosion at Copper Hill industrial estate, Barkston Heath, Lincolnshire. Partnership improves healthcare facilities with innovative technology solutions
As part of the partnership, R-Zero's comprehensive platform of occupancy and indoor air quality sensors, data insights software and UV-C air & surface disinfection solutions will be a featured extension of SC Johnson Professional's product portfolio. Veolia will provide NHS Scotland with compliant and sustainable waste management solutions
Through optimised handling, increased recycling, and managing treatment of complex waste streams, Veolia will help NHS Scotland achieve its target of reaching Net Zero by 2040. Birmingham Airport extends partnership with OCS
This contract extension is a direct result of OCS's consistent service delivery to Birmingham Airport. Through a robust and collaborative partnership with the airport, OCS has demonstrated flexibility and cost-consciousness, positioning itself as the ideal long-term solution for the airport's premises.  The Cleanzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The Cleanzine. If you would like to run a search of the The Cleanzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The Cleanzine:
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