Beware the Badge and Lanyards
The Cooper identification badge is required to be worn at collar level with employee name and photo facing forward and clearly visible at all times while working at any Cooper location. However:
- Identity badges and lanyards worn by HCWs may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria because they frequently come in contact with patients and patient’s environment. These badges and lanyards could become colonized with nosocomial pathogens which could be transmitted to patients during care.
- Lanyards falling below the upper chest level should not be worn per Cooper policy.
- Bacterial loads are often 10 times greater on fabric lanyards than on plastic identity badges.
- Remember, lanyards (if worn per policy) as well as ID Badges can be contaminated with infectious bacteria and should be cleaned routinely.
Protecting our patients is the top priority at Cooper University Health Care. We need 100 percent compliance with all patient safety procedures.
A sentinel is one who stands guard or watch to protect others. We need all employees to be sentinels to protect our patients and keep watch to ensure all patient safety procedures are being strictly followed.
One Team. One Purpose.