Certification program prepares construction, facility workers for health care

The AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering today announced a certification program to help workers in facility management and construction understand the complexities of the health care physical environment, and hospitals reduce risks associated with construction. Focused on patient safety, the Certified Health Care Physical Environment Worker program covers topics such as construction in health care facilities; infection control and prevention; fire and life safety; and utility system shutdowns. “Hospitals are different,” said ASHE Deputy Executive Director Chad Beebe, CHFM. “We operate around the clock and we work hard to protect our patients from construction issues that may be common in other types of buildings, such as dust or noise. By requiring workers to earn this new certification, hospitals can reduce risks by ensuring people working in their facilities understand important patient safety concepts.” ASHE is an AHA professional membership group for professionals in the physical health care environment.