Zika-related guidance related to the federal workforce includes a template for agencies to perform a job hazard analyses and to craft job hazard strategies under OSHA requirements.
The OSHA law requires agencies to “furnish to employees places and conditions of employment that are free from job safety and health hazards. Your agency designated agency safety and health official or his/her designee should perform hazard analyses and implement control measures to protect workers from recognized hazards,” the guidance says.
That obligation is not limited to areas with travel-associated Zika cases or to incidents of documented actual exposure, it adds.
The template covers “analysis and risk reduction for all tasks associated with agency operations and activities in areas designated by the CDC or other lead health agency as Zika-affected areas.” Agencies are to list precautions for employees working outdoors such as use of mosquito repellant and wearing of long-sleeved clothing, as well as for those working indoors, such as ensuring that any windows that may be opened are screened.
“Federal agencies should train workers about their risk of exposure to Zika virus, methods to protect themselves from exposure, health effects associated with Zika infection, and to seek medical evaluation if they develop symptoms of Zika or have other Zika-related concerns,” it adds.
