Influenza (Bird Flu, Avian Flu, H1N1, Flu, Pandemic Influenza, Swine Flu)
Each year workers in healthcare settings attend to, on average, more than 200,000 patients hospitalized for influenza-related complications. These workers also treat patients seeking medical care in clinics, pediatricians’ offices, and other ambulatory healthcare settings.
The H1N1 influenza virus persists, but is now regarded as a regular seasonal influenza virus. H1N1 is present in the 2010 - 2011 flu vaccine.
NOTE:Enforcement Procedures for High to Very High Occupational Exposure Risk to 2009 H1N1 Influenza (DOSH Directive 11.70) has been rescinded and is no longer in effect. Instead, follow updated guidance from the CDC.
Rules
General Rules
- Accident Prevention (WAC 296-800-140)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) (WAC 296-800-160)
- Respirators (Chapter 296-842, WAC)
- Core Rules (Chapter 296-800, WAC)
Policies
Indoor Air Quality (WRD 10.10)- Law Enforcement (WRD 32.00)
Training Materials
Videos
Please read an important message about videos in the DOSH Safety & Health Video
Library.
Important:
Some videos may contain code violations or information inconsistent with Washington State's Safety & Health rules.
Many commercially produced safety and health videos are based on Federal OSHA Standards. Federal OSHA standards may not be as stringent as the Washington State Industrial Safety and Health Standards. Every effort has been made by the library to evaluate the videos before purchasing them. Safety and Health Standards may have changed since the time of purchase. The user assumes the responsibility of previewing the videos before showing and using it with a knowledgeable instructor.
See videos about these subjects:
See these titles:
- Why Don't We Do It in Our Sleeves?
- Preventing the Spread of Contagious Illness
- Resisting the Flu : How to Minimize Your Risk
Search for videos related to this topic:
- Search for all videos with Influenza in the title or description.
- Search for all videos with H1N1 in the title or description.
- Search for all videos with Flu in the title or description.
- Search for all videos with Pandemic Influenza in the title or description.
Other Resources
Please read an important message about links on this page.
Important:
"Links" to other information sources are provided as a courtesy, but we cannot vouch for or take responsibility for information contained beyond files administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Links from this page do not represent or imply the endorsement of commercial products by the State of Washington, Labor and Industries, or by departmental staff. For more information, read L&I's Intended Usage policy.
- CDC guideline: Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings( (2007)
- CDC Report: Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines
- CDC's resource page: Other Flu Web Sites
- NIOSH resource page: Respirators
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis and Testing
- Respiratory Protection Training Kit
- Safer Products and Practices for Disinfecting Surfaces (San Francisco Dept of the Environment)
Related Topics
More help from L&I
For general information, call 1-800-423-7233.
