Infectious diseases - New Jersey

New Jersey has adopted federal OSHA standards by reference and has some additional state requirements. New Jersey’s Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) plan applies to state and local government workers in the state. Federal and private sector employers must follow federal OSHA standards. PEOSH has additional requirements around protecting employees in certain facilities from exposure to tuberculosis (TB).

Summary of state regulations 

While there is not a specific regulation in place, PEOSH enforces the “Requirements for Preventing Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis” under the PEOSH General Duty Clause at NJSA 34:6A-33(a).  

Employers are to protect their employees from exposure to TB through early identification, isolation, and treatment of people with TB; the use of engineering and administrative controls; and the use of respiratory protection. Covered employers must, among other things: 

• Develop and implement a written TB Infection Control Program; 
• Develop a written protocol for identifying individuals with suspected or confirmed infectious TB; 
• Provide medical surveillance for employees; 
• Provide employee education and training; and more. 

Public sector workplaces where these requirements apply include: 

• Healthcare facilities 
• Correctional facilities 
• Long-term care facilities 
• Drug treatment facilities 
• Homeless shelters   

Related information  

• Pandemic flu
• Tuberculosis

Citations 

• New Jersey Department of Health Preventing Occupational Exposure to TB
• PEOSH General Duty Clause
• Federal regulation 29 USC 654