Pandemic Flu (Influenza)

OSHA recently issued a new guidance for the protection of workers from Avian Flu virus-uses:"Guidance on Preparing for an Influenza Pandemic." This guidance document sets up an "Occupational Risk Pyramid" primarily covering healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses,dentists, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). While CWA represents nurses and EMTs,there are several other categories of represented workers that are not included in the guidancedocument such as:

•Telecommunications workers

•Police

•Hospice workers

•Nursing home workers

•Home healthcare workers

•Social workers

The main protection recommended by OSHA in the Agency's guidance document is proper hand hygiene and the use of (at least) N-95 respirators. CWA, along with the AIL-CIO, Is recommending at minimum the use of N-100 respirators. CWA and the AFL-CIO are also opposed to the guidance document not being issued as an enforceable regulation.

The main thrust of the guidance document puts more emphasis upon maintaining the "continuity of business operations" (AFL-CIO) versus protecting workers on the front line. While the guidance document mentions the use of N-95 respirators, it does not require their use or the implementation of the OSHA "Respiratory Protection" Standard when respiratory protection isinstituted. Further, the guidance document does not require the implementation of the OSHAPersonal Protection Equipment (PPE) Standard when other forms of PPE such as gloves andprotective clothing are required for use by front line workers.

Click on the following links for more information:

The AFA-CWA Air Safety, Health, and Security Department Website. The AFA-CWA Air Safety, Health, and Security Department website describes the safety andhealth situations faced by its members as well as the flying public and gives recommendations for action.http://ashsd.afacwa.org/?zone~~/unionactive/view-article.cftn&HomelD=30971

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Website. The CDC website provides updates onthe Avian Flu issue. The CDC's emphasis targets the public health consequences of apossible pandemic. http://vrww.pandemicflu.gov/index.html

AFL-CIO Safety & Health Department Website. The AFL-CIO website is a good source for information on how a flu pandemic can impact workers (the front line on fighting the spread of influenza). http://vrvvw.aflclo.org/issues/safety/pandemic-influenza.cftn