Is TB an occupational concern?

Workers who come into close contact with people with undiagnosed or untreated active tuberculosis in their lungs are at high risk of acquiring TB infection. Workers in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, long-term care facilities, drug treatment centers, and healthcare institutions have been identified by OSHA as being in the most danger. Employees in hospitals or health care settings can be exposed to TB from patients who have not yet been diagnosed. In those settings, procedures should include screening to identify infected or infectious persons.

When a TB infected person is identified, the person should be isolated, and any employee contact requires the use of PPE and hygiene to prevent spread of the infection.