Thursday, January 15, 2015

OSHA-NIOSH guidance addresses fatigue among Ebola healthcare workers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and OSHA have published a new guidance document, "Preventing Worker Fatigue Among Ebola Healthcare Workers and Responders" (*PDF). Healthcare workers and emergency responders are often required to work extended, rotating, consecutive or otherwise unusual shifts. They also need enhanced personal protective equipment when working with Ebola patients or in Ebola-contaminated areas. These conditions increase the risk of injuries and can contribute to poor health and worker fatigue. The new guidance document provides information for protecting workers in these conditions. For more information about protecting workers from occupational exposure to Ebola virus and related hazards, also see OSHA's Ebola Web page.