The Humboldt Builders’ Exchange Safety and Insurance Committee provide the following safety topic as a service to its members. These instructions do not supersede local, state or federal regulations

OSHA GUIDANCE FOR FLU

Here is the first official guidance regarding what may be a very big flu epidemic, especially among younger people-ages 2 to 34 who are the most vulnerable according to news reports-which encompasses a lot of the construction workforce.

H1N1 flu vaccination is not likely to be available to the general public for several weeks. Initial doses are being prioritized to health-care workers and young children and those with compromised immune systems. There are questions about the safety of the vaccine and studies are running concurrently with the active vaccination programs.  The government has ordered more than 40 million doses prepared-but there are more than 310 million people in the country.

So, here's what Fed/OSHA is calling "common-sense preventative measures" and they urge you to provide the tips to your workforce:

¨ Stay home if you are sick.

¨ Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or with a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

¨ Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

¨ Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.

¨ Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

¨ Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with coworkers and customers.

¨ Avoid shaking hands and always wash your hands after physical contact with others.

¨ If wearing gloves, always wash your hands after removing them.

¨ Keep frequently touched common surfaces (for example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.

¨ Try not to use other workers' phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment.

If the epidemic levels are actually realized:

¨ Minimize group meetings; use e-mails, phones and text messaging. If meetings are unavoidable, avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with others and ensure that the meeting room is properly ventilated.

¨ Limit unnecessary visitors to the workplace.

¨ Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, exercise and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health.

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards                                                                                                  

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