Pandemic flu

Scope

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), once a human pandemic begins, it is expected to encircle the globe within three months. Because the virus would be a new strain, the majority of the population would have no protection against it. While the race is on to manufacture and stockpile antiviral drugs, worldwide availability is low, and there is evidence that influenza viruses can be resistant to this treatment.

Regulatory citations

• None

Key definitions

• Pandemic influenza (flu): A global outbreak of a new influenza A virus. According to the CDC, pandemics occur when new influenza A viruses emerge which are able to infect people easily and spread from person to person in an efficient and sustained way.

Summary of requirements

While there are no regulatory requirements, employers can use a combination of control measures to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers.

• Engineering controls are those that involve making changes to the work environment to reduce work-related hazards.
• Administrative controls are those that modify workers' work schedules and tasks in ways that minimize their exposure to workplace hazards.
• Work practices are procedures for safe and proper work that are used to reduce the duration, frequency, or intensity of exposure to a hazard.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective gear needed to keep workers safe while performing their jobs. Examples of PPE include respirators, face shields, goggles, and disposable gloves. The appropriate types of PPE for use during a pandemic will be based on the risk of contracting influenza while working and the availability of PPE.