OSHA has issued new workplace safety and health guidance for helping employers prepare for an influenza pandemic.
Planning for a pandemic flu strand for business and industry is vital to minimize the pandemic’s impact on the workplace. The agency includes general guidance for all types of workplaces and describes the differences between seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza in their “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic.” OSHA also provides information on the nature of a potential pandemic, how the virus is most likely spread and how exposure can occur.
By employers having proper planning in place for increased employee absences, changes in the patterns of commerce and interrupted supply and delivery schedules, in the event a pandemic does occur the guidance provided by OSHA will allow companies to continue to work as normal as possible.
"In anticipation of a flu pandemic, our top priority is protecting the safety and health of America's working men and women," says OSHA chief Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "Employers and employees should use this guidance to help identify risk levels and implement appropriate control measures to prevent illness in the workplace."
To assist employers to determine workplace practices and pandemic precautions, the guidance divides workplaces into four risk zones. They also give recommendations for employee protection for each of the four levels. These include engineering controls, work practices and use of personal protective equipment such as respirators and surgical masks and their relative value in protecting employees.
To view the complete document, "Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic": http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3327pandemic.pdf
SOURCE Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Nicole Camiola
New Equipment Digest
Online Content Editor