OSHA Issues Guidance to Employers Regarding Protection of Workers from Ebola Virus
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a new web page yesterday to assist employers with efforts to inform and protect their workers from the Ebola virus. The web page provides employers with a variety of helpful topics, including: (1) information about the virus; (2) hazard recognition; (3) medical information; (4) appropriate standards for protecting workers and (5) control and prevention steps.
More specifically, the website provides critical information for those employers with a heightened risk of access to the virus, such as health care workers and emergency responders. Additionally, the site provides employers with a detailed fact sheet on how to protect workers who may be involved in cleaning and/or decontamination of surfaces that may be contaminated with the deadly virus.
The Ebola virus, although extremely infectious, is not extremely contagious. It may not be transmitted through the air, but humans may become infected by other humans if they come in contact with body fluids from an infected person or contaminated objects from infected persons. Symptoms of the virus often include weakness, fever, aches, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Thus far, nearly 4,000 individuals have died in West Africa this year from the virus, and two Americans have been diagnosed within the United States.
Employers should take proactive steps to recognize the risks associated with the virus, and to review the information on OSHA's new website. Additionally, OSHA's decontamination fact sheet may be accessed here. The opinions expressed in this bulletin are intended for general guidance only. They are not intended as recommendations for specific situations. As always, readers should consult a qualified attorney for specific legal guidance. Should you need assistance from a Miller & Martin attorney, please call 1-800-275-7303.
