April safety meeting - Infectious diseases

HAND WASHING 

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory virus that takes many forms and usually results from person-to-person contact. Flus can be life-threatening. 

In this safety meeting, we review how to a) identify the risk 2) how to implement the controls. 

Did you know...

If a worker or workers could be exposed to influenza, the employer must develop and implement an exposure control plan (ECP). 

Engineering controls?
This is the most effective type of control. Engineering controls involve making physical modifications to control the hazard or reduce exposure. 
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Administrative controls?
This type of control involves changing work practices and policies. Some questions to consider:

• Are workers coming into work when they are sick?
• Are workers frequently washing their hands?
• Are proper hygiene procedures and hand-washing stations in place?
• Are work surfaces being disinfected frequently?

​Personal protective equipment (PPE)
This is, in fact, the least effective type of control. When used, there must always be at least one other control in place as well. 

Additional Resources: 
https://www.ccohs.ca/outbreaks/
https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-non-healthcare-workplace-guidance.pdf
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How to properly wash your hands: WHO Standard