Pandemic Influenza Preparedness & Response Part 4: Resources Available to Support Planning Occupational Safety and Health Course for Healthcare Professionals

Important for you to recognize the key sources for accurate, current information and guidance on pandemic influenza preparedness and strategies. Specifically, you will be able to:  Identify the exact websites for OSHA, flu.gov, CDC, WHO and other credible sources.  Describe how to sign up for frequent alerts and update messages from these sites. 2

 Federal, state and local government agencies are your best sources of information concerning the status of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. It is important to stay informed about the latest developments and recommendations since specific guidance may change based upon the characteristics of the pandemic influenza virus. 3

For the most current and accurate information online, rely on credible resources such as OSHA, flu.gov, CDC, and WHO, NIOSH and FDA also provide additional help. Sign up to receive alerts from these sources to keep up- to-date on the latest news and current situation. 4

 Go directly to the In Focus section, click the first link to “Worker Safety and Health Guidance for H1N1 Flu”.  The other links provided will lead you to information you can use to support your preparedness planning. 5

 The Pandemic Influenza page as displayed.  The page offers concise information and includes its own “In Focus” area with links to the list of publications from the OSHA home page as well as other credible resources. 6

 Resources are available in HTML or PDF formats as well as English or Spanish versions.  The following 5 slides will present each of the resources available. 7

– In Focus (cont.)  The best strategy to reduce the risk of becoming ill with pandemic influenza is to avoid crowded settings and other situations  If you must - minimize your time there.  Some basic hygiene and social distancing precautions that can be used in every workplace include the list available using this resource. 8

– In Focus (cont.)  Employers can use the "hierarchy of controls" to reduce exposures to pandemic influenza in their workplaces.  The Fact Sheet covers the types of control measures, which are:  Engineering controls  Administrative controls  Work practices  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 9

– In Focus (cont.)  Very high exposure risk occupations are those with high potential for exposure to known or suspected sources of pandemic influenza during specific medical or laboratory procedures:  Healthcare workers performing aerosol-generating procedures on known or suspected patients.  Healthcare or laboratory personnel collecting or handling specimens from known or suspected patients. 10

– In Focus (cont.)  The Quick Card highlights Who needs to wear a respirator? And Respiratory Protection Program requirements  During a pandemic use a NIOSH- certified respirator for work involving close contact with people who are or may be ill with the pandemic virus.  N95 respirators provide the minimum level of protection needed.  A surgical mask is not a respirator! 11

– In Focus (cont.)  It is important that employers and workers understand the significant differences between these two types of personal protective equipment.  Respirators are designed to reduce a worker's exposure to airborne contaminants.  Surgical masks are used as a physical barrier to protect the user from hazards, such as splashes of large droplets of blood or bodily fluids. 12

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 Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services 14

1. Links available in left navigation pane 2. Stay Informed section 3. Got Questions? 4. Latest News from other sources 5. Register for updates 15

 Interactive Map – click on an area to view PanFlu statistics  Multimedia page – view video clips explaining important topics  Social Media page – get Widgets, watch YouTube videos, network using Twitter, Facebook, etc. 16

 H1N1 Flu is among the headline frames of the CDC’s website. Clicking “GO>>H1N1 Flu” when prompted, leads you to an area of consolidated information. 17

 On this page the quick links are accessible from the left navigation pane. Clicking any link offers a wealth of information available from this most reliable source.  This CDC page also allows you to sign up for alerts regarding this matter. Simply submit your address in the space provided and click the Submit button. 18

 The home page offers updates on confirmed cases as well as assessing the severity of an influenza pandemic. You can quickly access “Frequently Asked Questions”, “Guidance Documents [by group]”, “For the Media, and “Situation Updates” as well. 19

The Full coverage of influenza A(H1N1) link takes you to the “Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR)” page that provides current information using current situation daily updates and maps.Full coverage of influenza A(H1N1) 20

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OSHA’s Commitment: Provide guidelines to assist employers in meeting their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Help employers to: “ furnish a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.”

 Share the information you have gained.  Help to make your workplace as safe as possible.  Use the resources available to stay abreast of changes, latest information and statistics, and new guidance. 25