Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Mitigating Exposure Risks in the Workplace

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria. MRSA is resistant to an antibiotic known as methicillin and is often resistant to other antibiotics as well. These infections can be serious, difficult and costly to treat, and are sometimes life-threatening.

NIOSH reports that MRSA usually spreads by touching infected skin, but it can also spread by touching materials or surfaces that had contact with an infection. This is why MRSA infections can spread in the workplace. The agency states that certain factors make it easier for it to spread and list their “5 C’s”, which include:

1. Crowding,
2. Frequent skin-to-skin Contact,
3. Compromised skin (cut, scrape or rash),
4. Contaminated items and surfaces, and
5. Lack of C

While healthcare facilities have infection control procedures due to the unique challenges they face from MRSA and other superbugs, workplaces where the “5 C’s” may be common include schools and daycare facilities, dormitories, military barracks and correctional facilities. In addition, people who work with farm animals or pets may also be at risk of MRSA infections according to NIOSH.

“In recent years, healthcare providers have observed MRSA infections in an increasing number of people who lack traditional healthcare-associated risk factors,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These people appear to have community-associated (CA) infections, also referred to as CA-MRSA. These infections can occur in workers, students, athletes, soldiers and even incarcerated individuals when there is crowding, skin-to-skin contact, and shared equipment or supplies.”

With dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides environmental and surface testing for microbial pathogens. This form of testing is instrumental for confirming cleaning and disinfection procedures, and can also be helpful for pinpointing the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about MRSA and the workplace which can be seen by visiting here:  https://youtu.be/AmUhVU5QjYY.

For more information about MRSA and microbial testing or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail