Does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have workplace guidance and standards that cover respiratory protection?
OSHA has a standard on respiratory protection in the workplace (see 29 CFR 1910.134). See OSHA’s current Guidance Update on Protecting Employees from Avian Flu (Avian Influenza) Viruses. (It is also available in Spanish.)
In addition, OSHA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have issued Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic (found at www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html) which includes guidance on use of respiratory protection during a pandemic.
Note: As an overall matter, employers should be guided in their relationship with their employees not only by federal employment law, but by their own employee handbooks, manuals, and contracts (including bargaining agreements), and by any applicable state or local laws.
Not all of the employment laws referenced apply to all employers or all employees, particularly state and local government agencies. For information on whether a particular employer or employee is covered by a law, please use the links provided for more detailed information. This information is
notintended for federal agencies or federal employees -- they should contact the
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for guidance.Last Reviewed: 10/07/2009
Related Questions:
- Are employers required to provide employees with infection control supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent or slow the transmission of influenza?
- May an employer require its employees to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., face masks, gloves, or gowns) designed to reduce the transmission of a pandemic virus?
- What if an employee has asked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to investigate because they believe it is unsafe to come to work or perform specific duties and claims retaliation if the employer takes action against them for refusing to come to work or perform these duties?
- Does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have workplace guidance and standards that cover pandemic influenza?
- During a pandemic, may an employer require its employees to adopt infection control practices?
