June 11, 2007—The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has unveiled new safety and health guidance that will help healthcare workers and their employers prepare for a possible influenza pandemic.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers (.pdf file), a comprehensive resource for healthcare planners and practitioners, includes technical information on infection control and industrial hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection in healthcare settings; workplace preparations and planning issues; and OSHA standards that have special importance to pandemic preparedness planners and responders in the industry.
Specifically, the guidance provides a wide range of information and tools helpful to pandemic planners, including: Internet resources, communication tools, sample infection control programs, and self-triage and home care resources. It also offers how-to advice on diagnosis and treatment of staff during a pandemic, developing planning and supply checklists, and risk communication.
Should a pandemic occur, OSHA says it will furnish up-to-date information and guidance to the public through the www.pandemicflu.gov Web site.
