The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has unveiled new guidance for healthcare workers and their employers on preparing for and responding to a pandemic flu, such as the avian influenza. Avian influenza—also known as bird flu—is caused by a virus that attacks wild birds and domestic poultry. A dangerous strain is rapidly infecting birds in some parts of the world, and in isolated cases, it has even spread from poultry to humans. As of this year, there are no known cases of person-to-person transmission. But scientists are concerned that the virus could gain the capacity to spread among the human population, causing a flu pandemic.
The new guidance offers information and tools for healthcare workers and employers to help prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic, including: Internet resources; communication tools; sample infection control programs; self-triage and home care resources; how-to advice on diagnosis and treatment of staff; and developing planning and supply checklists. The guidance also offers technical information on infection control and industrial hygiene practices to reduce the infection risk in healthcare settings.
In February, OSHA released general guidance on pandemic flu planning and response, for all types of workplaces. OSHA says that should a pandemic occur, the agency will furnish up-to-date information and guidance to the public through the government’s pandemic flu website.
Join us this fall in San Francisco for the California Employment Law Update conference, a 3-day event that will teach you everything you need to know about new laws and regulations, and your compliance obligations, for the year ahead—it’s one-stop shopping at its best.
Additional Resources: