Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic

by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

 

www.osha.gov

 

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s employees by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.

This handbook provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements.

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required.

This information is available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

Edwin G. Foulke, Jr.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health

Guidance on
Preparing Workplaces
for an Influenza Pandemic

 

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U.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 3327-02N
2007

Contents

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Introduction . . . 3

The Difference Between Seasonal, Pandemic Influenza
and Avian Influenza . . . 5

How a Severe Pandemic Influenza Could Affect
Workplaces . . . 7

Who Should Plan for a Pandemic . . . 8

How Influenza Can Spread Between People . . . 9

Classifying Employee Exposure to Pandemic Influenza
at Work . . . 10

How to Maintain Operations During a Pandemic . . . 12

How Organizations Can Protect Their Employees . . . 16

The Difference Between a Surgical Mask and a Respirator . . . 20

Steps Every Employer Can Take to Reduce the Risk of
Exposure to Pandemic Influenza in Their Workplace . . . 26

Workplaces Classified at Lower Exposure Risk (Caution) for
Pandemic Influenza: What to Do to Protect Employees . . . 28

Workplaces Classified at Medium Exposure Risk for Pandemic
Influenza: What to Do to Protect Employees . . . 29

Workplaces Classified at Very High or High Exposure Risk for
Pandemic Influenza: What to Do to Protect Employees . . . 32

What Employees Living Abroad or Who Travel
Internationally for Work Should Know . . . 35

For More Information . . . 37

OSHA Assistance . . . 38