Airborne Respiratory Viruses
Airborne infectious respiratory viruses remain a recognized hazard in the workplace. Examples include COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Use the guidance and information on this page to continue to keep your workers safe and healthy.
- What To Do When You Are Sick With COVID-19 or Another Respiratory Virus | Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
- Flu Overview | DOH
- About RSV | CDC
Employers covered by recordkeeping rules must continue to record workplace injuries and illnesses on an OSHA 300 log. The common cold and flu is not considered recordable (see WAC 296-27-01103(2)(h)).
If you have other specific questions on how you can maintain a safe and healthy workplace, contact a DOSH consultant near you.
This information is current as of February 21, 2025
Basic infection control guidance for all workplaces
DOSH recommends that employers continue to assess their workers’ exposure risk and take precautions to prevent airborne transmissible disease spread.
- For health care workers follow CDC recommendations and use Standard Precautions when working near someone with known or suspected respiratory infection. See Standard Precautions in Health care Settings.
- Recommendations for Non-health care employees follow Preventing Respiratory Viruses | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC .
- Employers with workers who voluntarily use respiratory protection must make sure the voluntary use of the respirator does not create a safety or security issue. See voluntary use requirements in WAC 296-800-16080, Voluntary use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- For required respirator use, make sure workers wear appropriate, fit-tested, NIOSH-approved respirators, and follow all requirements for their safe use. Make sure you have a respirator program that meets the requirements in Respirators, Chapter 296-842, WAC.
- DOSH recommends including the risks of disease transmission hazards in the employer’s Accident Prevention Program, or equivalent safety program. See Safety & Health Core Rules, Accident Prevention Program Chapter 296-800 WAC.
- Use gloves to prevent contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Provide hand washing facilities and supplies. DOSH recommends regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
- Record work-related hospitalizations and fatalities, on the OSHA 300 log. See Workplace Injuries & Fatalities .
- Report work-related hospitalizations and fatalities to DOSH.
Workplace Discrimination & Retaliation
Employees have a right to safe and healthy work environment. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 49.17 prohibits employers from retaliating against employees. Workers have 90 days to file their complaint with L&I DOSH and/or with Federal OSHA. See Discrimination in the Workplace for more information.
What to do when you are sick?
- Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick | Respiratory Illnesses (CDC)
- Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu Infographic | Flu Resource Center (CDC)
Health Care
- COVID-19 Infection Prevention in Health Care Settings | Washington State Department of Health
- Infection Control (CDC)
- Infection Control Guidance: SARS-CoV-2 | COVID-19 (CDC)
- Influenza (Flu) (CDC)
- Nursing & Residential Care
- Standard Precautions for Healthcare Activities
Respirator Resources
Ventilation
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Rules
Accident Prevention Program (APP)
- All industries, except Agriculture: WAC 296-800-140
- Agriculture: Chapter 296-307, WAC Part B
- Some industries have additional requirements. Search Safety & Health rules for all APP requirements
Airborne Contaminants
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- All industries, except Agriculture: WAC 296-800-160
- Agriculture: Chapter 296-307, WAC Part H
- Some industries have additional requirements. Search Safety & Health rules for PPE requirement
Reporting and Notifications
- Recordkeeping and Reporting - Employers covered by recordkeeping rules must record workplace injuries and illnesses (including work-related COVID-19, novel flu, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illnesses) on an OSHA 300 log. Follow the direction in Chapter 296-27 WAC, Recordkeeping and Reporting