What OSHA has to say about EBOLA

October 23, 2014 By Fred Hosier 

OSHA says a collection of its existing standards apply to keeping employees who may come in contact with the Ebola virus safe. 
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (1910.1030) covers exposure to Ebola virus since it’s a contact-transmissible disease covered by the standard.
In situations in which workers may be exposed to bioaerosols containing Ebola virus, employers must also follow OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (1910.134).
Other elements of infection control for Ebola are covered under OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard (1910.132).
OSHA says most U.S. workers are unlikely to encounter Ebola virus or people who have contracted it.
Contact it more likely in certain industries, including:
-  healthcare
-  mortuary/death care, and
-  airline services.
OSHA has also provided more specific information for industries in which workers are more likely to encounter Ebola.
Healthcare workers
OSHA says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the authoritative source for information for healthcare workers who care for, treat or interact with patients who are known to or are suspected of having contracted Ebola.
PPE has been the subject of many safety questions since Ebola arrived on U.S. shores. The CDC recommendations for U.S. healthcare workers caring for patients with Ebola include wearing: (Read Entire Article)

 

 
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OSHA INTERPRETATIONS
OSHA reiterated again:
Any use of Rx medicine in treating a work-related injury or illness is considered medical treatment regardless of purpose prescribed. NO exceptions, irrelevant if "prophylaxis" or not.

 


Luke Lee, MD, MPH, CIME
Board Certified Occupational Medicine
 
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