Bioterrorism

What is bioterrorism?

Bioterrorism is the intentional or threatened use of an infectious agent (a virus or bacteria) or toxin (e.g., botulinum toxin) to produce illness or death in people, animals, or plants.

Why should employers and employees be concerned?

Employers and employees whose jobs would not ordinarily involve exposure to infectious agents could be exposed through acts of terrorism. Conventional thinking is that terrorists are likely to target places where large populations can be found such as large buildings, sporting events, or mass transit systems. Recent events have shown that there is a wider range of physical locations that could be targeted and this expands the range of employees who could be exposed.

Bioterror Agents

Anthrax Botulinum Brucellosis

Plague Smallpox Tularemia

Regulation & Policy

If your workplace is a potential terrorism target the hazard should be included in your overall accident prevention program.

• WAC 296-800-140 Accident Prevention Program
• WAC 296-800-160 Personal Protective Equipment
• WAC 296-62-071 Respiratory Protection
• WAC 296-824-100 Emergency Response

Resources

The following agencies have resources available to assist employers and employees in preparing for and responding to bioterror attacks.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries	Washington State Department of Health
Anthrax Alert: Guidelines for Mail Sorters A Message from WISHA: Bioterrorism	Bioterrorism Home Page
Northwest Center for Public Health Practice	Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Bioterrorism training materials	Information about anthrax
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)	National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
Bioterrorism Home Page	Emergency Response Resources

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