Protecting workers from this and future pandemics will be the major focus of OSHA worker protection 29 CFR initiatives, in the coming weeks, months and years. You will need a Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Plan (PPPP), for currently working and returning workers. OSHA has already published strict guidelines for protecting workers for this and other pandemics that might threaten our country and economy
Basic Infection Prevention Measures
You must immediately Implement policies on:
The frequent and thorough hand washing, including those of workers, customers, and worksite visitors, including where to find tissues and trash receptacles.
The need of workers staying home if they are sick.
Respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
The practices you have established; such as flexible worksites and work hours including social distancing strategies.
The nonessential use of other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment.
The company’s housekeeping practices, including the routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment, and other elements.
The use of all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time and any PPE requirements).
Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Plan (PPPP)
Your PPPP must address:
Where, how, and to what sources workers could be exposed, including: the general public, customers, and coworkers;
The non-occupational risk factors to workers at home and in community settings;
Workers’ individual risk factors (e.g., older age; presence of chronic medical conditions, including immunocompromising conditions; pregnancy);
High turnover and rates of worker absenteeism;
The use of social distancing, by staggered work shifts, downsizing operations, delivering services remotely, and other exposure-reducing measures;
The recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illness;
The continuation of essential operations with a reduced workforce, by cross-training key workers across different jobs in order to continue operations or deliver surge services; and
Emergency sourcing, supply, warehouse and delivery chains
Policies and Procedures for Prompt Identification and Isolation of Sick and Healthy Employees.
Implement policies that detail:
How employers should inform and encourage employees to self-monitor for signs and symptoms, when they suspect possible exposure.
To who or by what process can employees report when they are sick or experiencing symptoms.
The immediate isolation of workers who have signs and/or symptoms, and correct ways in which to move potentially infectious people to locations away from workers, customers, and other visitors.
The use of specific isolation rooms, such as areas with closable doors to house workers, until a potentially sick person can be removed from the worksite.
The differences between PPE and a face mask.
The protection of workers in close contact with a sick person or any worker who has had prolonged, repeated or suspected contact with one.
Sign up for one of our live online seminars and receive a copy of the Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Plan (PPPP) and checklist. And if you have questions or require help with a site specific PPPP for your company, don’t hesitate to call or contact us. Don’t be caught off guard next time. “Prepare Now”.
Thank you,
Robert J. Keegan
Publisher and President
Hazardous Materials Publishing Company
Transportation Skills Programs Inc.
hazmat.tsp@gmail.com
(610)683-6721