OSHA Seeks Comment on Occupational Exposure to Infectious Diseases in Health Care Settings in Preparation for Possible Regulatory Action

Medical equipmentThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking information and comment (pdf) on occupational exposure to infectious agents in health care and health care-related settings in order to determine whether it will take further regulatory action to limit the spread of occupationally acquired infectious diseases. According to a summary of this request published in the Federal Register, OSHA is interested in strategies that are being used in work settings where health care is provided (e.g., hospitals, outpatient clinics, clinics in schools and correctional facilities) and health care-related settings (e.g., laboratories that handle potentially infectious biological materials, medical examiner offices and mortuaries) to mitigate the risk of occupationally acquired infectious diseases. To that end, the agency seeks to collect “information and data on the facilities and the tasks potentially exposing workers to this risk; successful employee infection control programs; control methodologies being utilized (including engineering, work practice, and administrative controls and personal protective equipment); medical surveillance programs; and training.”

Specifically, the agency is requesting information and comment on 38 questions, divided into the following topic areas: general information; infection prevention and control plan; methods of control; vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis; communication of hazards; recordkeeping; economic impacts and benefits; and impacts on small entities.

Information and comments must be received on or before August 4, 2010. Written comments can be sent or delivered to: OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2010-0003, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Three copies, including attachments, must be submitted. Alternatively, comments may be submitted electronically via the federal eRulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Submissions that are 10 pages or fewer, including attachments, may be sent via facsimile to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-1648. All comments must contain the identification number: OSHA-2010-0003.

Photo credit:  Kaupang

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.