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OSHA releases flu pandemic guidance

Posted On: May. 21, 2007 12:00 AM CST

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration released new safety and health guidance Monday that's designed to assist health care workers and their employers prepare for a possible influenza pandemic.

The "Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers" offers information and tools to respond to a widespread flu outbreak. It includes technical information on infection control and industrial hygiene practices to reduce infection risk at health care worksites, discusses workplace preparations and planning issues, and describes OSHA standards that have special importance to people planning for and responding to a pandemic.

"Specifically, the guidance provides a wide range of information and tools helpful to pandemic planners, including: Internet resources, communication tools, sample infection control programs, and self-triage and home care resources," OSHA said in a statement. "It also offers how-to advice on diagnosis and treatment of staff during a pandemic, developing planning and supply checklists, and risk communication."

The guidance is available at www.osha.gov.