November 23, 2001—US Labor Secretary Elaine Chao recently announced a new model to assist employers and employees in dealing with possible workplace exposures to anthrax in mail handling operations. The Anthrax Matrix guides employers in assessing risk to their workers, providing appropriate protective equipment, and specifying safe work practices for low, medium, and high risk levels in the workplace. Chao stressed that the OSHA information is given to provide needed guidance, not to create new requirements.
Chao pointed out that there have been only four deaths and 17 confirmed cases of anthrax infection, but indicated that the department wants to be proactive in assisting employers and workers concerned about anthrax and other potential terrorist threats.
The Anthrax Matrix, shaped like a pyramid, includes three sections: green for low, yellow for medium, and red for high risk of exposure. Each section links to useful information and practical guidance to help determine an appropriate response.
Developed in consultation with several other governmental agencies, the continually updated matrix is available on OSHA’s Web site. There is also general information on anthrax and mail handling procedures on the agency’s Web site, links to detailed information from CDC, the US Postal Service, the FBI, and other sources of information on biological and chemical hazards and emergency preparedness.
