OSHA recently issued new sets of information regarding H1N1. The “factsheets” were issued for both employees and employers, and mostly include common-sense information, with the notable exception of new “social-distancing” tactics that can be used if the severity of the disease increases in your workplace. These methods include restructuring the workplace and its interactions so that there is less close-contact between workers. Besides that, the factsheets are basically recaps of previously shared information:
-Develop a Policy for Workers and Clients Who become Ill in the Workplace
-Promote Hand Hygiene and Cough Etiquette
-Encourage Workers to Get Vaccinated
-Educate Workers About Conditions That Place Them at Higher Risk for Complications of Flu
-Address Travel and Sickness While on Travel
-Prepare for Possible School Closures or Suspension of Child Care Programs
Also included in the new factsheets is a section on how to “Keep the Workplace Clean”, which is particularly pertinent to any BSCs or in-house crews wanting to keep ahead of the H1N1 information curve. Although OSHA hasn’t made any radical suggestions (the basics are still here—give special care to clean commonly touched surfaces, etc), they do suggest employers provide “disinfectants and disposable towels for workers to use to clean their work spaces and surfaces and to keep work areas clean.”
The factsheets’ strength are their ability to communicate clearly and concisely the practical measures both employees and employers can take to make the workplace safer. As quoted in an article by EHStoday.com, OSHA’s assistant secretary Jordan Barab said, “These fact sheets are tools we have developed to help ensure America’s workers stay healthy and our businesses remain viable. OSHA’s new fact sheets will help all employers identify appropriate actions to protect their workers.” In addition, the fact sheets provide a template upon which future H1N1 information can added.
More info:
Flu.gov
HHS/CDC – H1N1 Flu
WHO – Pandemic
OSHA’s Pandemic Influenza