Comments Submitted on OSHA Guidance for Pandemic Flu Stockpiling

VHCA (7/10/2008)

AHCA/NCAL recently submitted to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on its Proposed Guidance for Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza.  The comments stressed that long term care facilities, due to financial constraints, would have to weigh the benefit of stockpiling respirators and facemasks against other important pandemic influenza resources such as anti-viral medications and vaccines to treat suspected pandemic exposure or illness, as well as against using the resources to meet immediate needs.   AHCA recommended that OSHA clarify that respiratory program regulations do not take effect if the respirators are merely stockpiled for future use.  Click here to review the guidance.