Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is often called a ‘superbug’. It's tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus (‘staph’) because it's resistant to some commonly used antibiotics. What’s more, MRSA can survive on some surfaces, like towels, razors, furniture, and athletic equipment for hours, days, or even weeks. It can spread to people who touch a contaminated surface, and MRSA can cause infections if it gets into a cut, scrape, or open wound.

That’s why it’s a particular problem in healthcare settings, especially for patients who have had surgery. Indeed, it can develop into a very severe, life-threatening infection.

GOOD HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICE LIMITS MRSA RISK
Employers and supervisors can take a number of steps to prevent the spread of staph or MRSA in the workplace:

- Promote a culture of safety (including advice around covering wounds).
- Ensure the availability of personal protective equipment and first aid supplies.
- Encourage workers to practice good hand hygiene.
- Ensure the performance of routine workplace housekeeping.
- Ensure the availability of washrooms and hand washing supplies.
- Ensure that surfaces contaminated with MRSA drainage or blood are cleaned and disinfected.

CLEANING PROTOCOLS THAT FOCUS ON MRSA
It’s in these last three areas of health and safety where REACT Specialist Cleaning can help. Our janitorial and deep cleaning services provide regular cleaning of common areas such as corridors and washrooms. But our Infection Control Service focuses more specifically on ensuring that all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.

In healthcare settings, we pay particular attention to surgical areas such as operating theatres and post-operative care facilities. We use appropriately diluted products which are effective but safe, and follow strict infection control protocols to ensure complete disinfection. Our approach to limiting the spread of MRSA is simple: we aim to eliminate the bacteria from surfaces altogether.