OSHA releases pandemic flu guidelines for health care workers

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration on May 21 released new safety and health guidelines for healthcare workers and their employers preparing for a possible influenza pandemic.

Technical information on infection control and industrial hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection in healthcare settings, workplace preparations and planning, plus OSHA standards, are outlined in the report. It's called "Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers." It is available at www.osha.gov.

In February, OSHA released general guidance for all types of workplaces, including how the virus is spread and how exposure in the workplace would likely occur. Should a pandemic occur, OSHA will provide up-to-date information and guidance to the public on the www.pandemicflu.gov Web site.