The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a website that contains guidance materials for employees and employers on how to reduce exposure to the H1N1 influenza virus (“swine flu”) in the workplace. Separate fact sheets recommending additional precautions are available for employers and workers in the health care industry.

The fact sheet for non-healthcare employers highlights information contained in OSHA’s Fact Sheet What Employers can do to Protect Workers from Pandemic Influenza and HHS/CDC’s Guidance for Business and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza Season.  These materials encourage employers to, among other things, develop policies for workers and clients who become ill in the workplace, educate employees on conditions that place them at higher risk for developing flu complications, and improve workplace hygiene. The fact sheets for healthcare employers encourage additional controls to limit flu exposure, including the installation of physical barriers to isolate flu patients, reducing patient transport, and providing respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment to healthcare providers.

In a press release, OSHA’s acting assistant secretary stated: “Protecting our nation's workers is OSHA's top priority,” adding, “These fact sheets are tools we have developed to help ensure America's workers stay healthy and our businesses remain viable. OSHA's new fact sheets will help all employers identify appropriate actions to protect their workers.”

The website, which lists links to other resources on H1N1, will provide updated materials as new information on the virus becomes available.

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