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OSHA advises employers on influenza pandemic protection

OSHA Healthcare Connection, February 13, 2007

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If an influenza pandemic occurs, employers will play an essential role in both protecting employees and limiting its impact on the economy and society, says OSHA.

To reduce a pandemic's effect on business operations, employees, customers, and the general public, OSHA released Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic on February 6.

The guidance divides workplaces and work operations into four risk zones, according to the likelihood of employees' occupational exposure to pandemic influenza. Healthcare facilities fall into the top two categories-very high exposure risk and high exposure risk. The document makes recommendations for employee protection for each of the four levels of anticipated risk.

"Employers and employees should use this guidance to help identify risk levels and implement appropriate control measures to prevent illness in the workplace," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. in the news release.

Publication of the guidance does not create a new standard, and its recommendations are advisory.

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