Monkeypox cases are on the rise: Are your workers protected?
Monkeypox is on the rise, demanding employers take action to protect their workers from exposure. Employers must ensure a workplace free of recognized hazards, including pathogens like monkeypox. Protecting workers requires developing, implementing, and communicating a plan with specific procedures that includes worker interactions, personal hygiene, and sanitation of facilities.
As of August 10, 2022, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported a rise of monkeypox to 10,392 total confirmed cases in the United States, an increase from only one in May of 2022. As the CDC monitors and responds to this rapidly spreading threat, employers should also. Proactive monitoring and response ensure employers are complaint with OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (1910.132), Respiratory Protection (1910.134), and other requirements.
Monkeypox is a viral illness that typically presents flu-like symptoms, exhaustion, body aches, swelling of the lymph nodes, and a painful rash of fluid-filled bumps. Symptoms appear within three weeks of exposure to the virus with the rash developing a few days later. Monkeypox could be confused with other transmissible pathogens like chickenpox, so a medical evaluation is important. Most people with monkeypox recover in 2-4 weeks; however, it can be extremely serious. Although no deaths related to the monkeypox virus have been reported in the US to date, immunocompromised people, pregnant women, and children are at a much greater risk of serious complications.
Protecting the workforce
Protecting workers is as simple as 1-2-3. Employers should ensure workers follow these guidelines:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals with a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Avoid contact with object and materials that an individual with monkeypox has used.
- Practice effective personal hygiene and workplace sanitation.
Avoiding close contact may be harder than workers think, as we tend to greet coworkers with handshakes or congratulate with pats on the back. Employers need to educate employees about the risks of exposure to the monkeypox virus while maintaining respect for everyone at the same time. Similarly, workers need to be more cognizant of handling or sharing PPE, jackets, utensils, or other items handled by a person with an outbreak.
Hygiene and sanitation
Hand hygiene, consisting of washing with soap and warm water for several seconds, has been cited as the single most important practice to reduce the transmission of infectious agents. This is especially important prior to eating, touching your face, and after using the bathroom. In the absence of soap and water, approved alcohol-based products for hand disinfection are acceptable followed with washing as soon as soap and water are available. Hand hygiene following glove removal further ensures that the hands will not carry potentially infectious material that might have penetrated through unrecognized tears or that could contaminate the hands during glove removal.
Disinfection and sanitation begin by ensuring employees avoid activities that could spread dried material from lesions (e.g., use of fans, dry dusting, sweeping, etc.) in areas where people with monkeypox have been. EPA-approved disinfectants should be used, and manufacturer’s directions followed for concentration, contact time, storage, and handling. Any contaminated materials and PPE must be disposed of properly.
Encourage open communication
It is vital that employers avoid stigmas and encourage open communication with workers that may have or have been exposed to the monkeypox virus. Information of the individual should remain confidential as with any situation involving personal medical information; however, general safety protocols can be put in place and communicated to the workforce to protect everyone. Cases should also be reported to public health officials to help identify exposure and prevent additional cases.
Key to remember
Monkeypox is the next public health challenge that is likely to infiltrate the workplace in a matter of time. Employers must be prepared to protect workers from exposures to this contagious pathogen. Having a proactive plan with procedures guiding workers on close interaction, sanitation, and open communication will ensure the safety of workers while remaining compliant with OSHA and other regulatory requirements.