Cal/OSHA posts guidance on protecting workers from monkeypox

The California Department of Industrial Relations on Thursday posted guidance on monkeypox for workplaces including health care facilities, public health services, medical transport and police.

The guidance applies to workplaces covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases rule. Monkeypox spreads primarily by close or direct contact but can also become airborne, according to a statement by Cal/OSHA. 

Regulations require employers to implement a written program to prevent or reduce the transmission of aerosol transmissible diseases specific to the workplace and operations; provide and ensure the use of respiratory protection; ensure that personal protective equipment is provided and used by employees exposed to persons with or suspected to have MPX, or to linens or surfaces that may contain the virus; implement written procedures for exposure incidents; and report the exposure to the local health officer.