How to Protect Workers
High and Very High Risk
Jobs Classified at High or Very High Exposure Risk: What to do to protect workers in workplaces where workers have high or very high exposure risk, employers should follow guidance and implement control measures described in this section.
Below are various control methods used to protect workers in these classifications.
Engineering Controls
- Ensure appropriate air-handling systems
- Airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIR)
- Isolation rooms when available for performing aerosol-generating procedures
- Autopsy suites or other similar isolation facilities when performing aerosol-generating procedures on the bodies. OSHA provides guidance for postmortem activities on its COVID-19 webpage.
- Biosafety Level 3 precautions when handling specimens. For more information about biosafety levels, consult the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories."
Administrative Controls
If working in a healthcare facility, follow existing guidelines and facility standards of practice for identifying and isolating infected individuals and for protecting workers. Examples of administrative controls include:
- Policies that reduce exposure, such as cohorting
- Signs reminding everyone to immediately report symptoms of respiratory illness and to use disposable face masks.
- Enhanced medical monitoring of workers
- Job-specific initial and refresher education on preventing the transmission of COVID-19
- Psychological and behavioral support to address employee stress.
Safe Work Practices
If working in a healthcare facility, follow existing guidelines and facility standards of practice for identifying and isolating infected individuals and for protecting workers.
- Use of alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol for decontamination in the field
- Good personal hygiene (hand washing, etc.)
- Use of PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
Most workers at high or very high exposure risk likely need to wear gloves, a gown, a face shield or goggles, and either a face mask or a respirator, depending on their job tasks and exposure risks. Workers who dispose of PPE and other infectious waste must also be trained and provided with appropriate PPE.
- Those who work in contact with or within 6 feet of patients should wear respirators
- Appropriate PPE ensembles for workers in healthcare, morgue/mortuary, and laboratory facilities
- Additional PPE may include medical/surgical gowns, fluid-resistant coveralls, aprons, or other disposable or reusable protective clothing
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-3. Which of the following is an example of an effective engineering control for high and very high risk exposure situations?
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