A new Occupational Safety and Health Administration directive regarding H1N1 influenza in the workplace

Abstract

This article addresses the following aspects of a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) directive associated with H1N1 in the workplace: the recordability of H1N1 exposure in the workplace; the need for employers to have a pandemic plan that addresses the identification and management of H1N1 exposure risk to employees; the respiratory protection requirements of an exposure control plan; OSHA workplace inspections in response to exposure complaints or fatalities associated with H1N1; and the availability of OSHA compliance guidance for employers.