NIOSH Topic: H1N1 Influenza

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is coordinating with other parts of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address national health needs associated with preventing the spread of H1N1 flu virus and providing information to workers and employers. NIOSH provides technical guidance for workers, including health-care and transportation workers, for whom job-related questions about exposure or infection may be an occupational concern.

H1N1 Spotlights:

Reports of Fit-Testing Difficulties with One N95 Respirator Model: NIOSH Investigation Status Update
On January 4, 2010, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommended discontinued use of the model 8000 N95 respirator, manufactured by 3M Co., which the state had released to local health departments and healthcare institutions from its pandemic preparedness stockpile last October. Read NIOSH investigation update.

Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel, Updated 10/14/09
CDC has released updated interim guidance on infection control measures to prevent transmission of 2009 H1N1 influenza in healthcare facilities. The updated guidance applies uniquely to the special circumstances of the current 2009 H1N1 pandemic and will be updated as necessary as new information becomes available throughout the course of this influenza season. It provides general guidance for all healthcare facilities.

NIOSH Science Blog: N-95 Respirators and Surgical Masks
The emergence of H1N1 has created considerable interest about the use of surgical masks and respirators as infection control measures. Given the recent issuance of revised CDC infection control guidance for healthcare personnel that include recommendations for use of N-95 respirators, NIOSH has posted a new blog that examines the scientific principles behind the design and performance of these devices. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog.

Resources for All Workplaces

University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) Doing Business During an Influenza Pandemic (Toolkit)

PDF Only (42 pages, 716KB)
External Link: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/files/33/cidrap-shrm-hr-pandemic-toolkit.pdf

Resources for Healthcare and Laboratory Workers

CDC Clean Hands Save Lives - Protect patients, protect yourself (poster)

PDF Only (1pg. 44KB)

CDC Cover your cough - Poster for health-care settings

PDF Only (1pg. 168KB)

Respiratory Protection

CDC General Procedures for Properly Putting on and Taking Off a Disposable Respirator
Poster containing step by step instructions for donning, fit checking and doffing a disposable respirator.

PDF Only (1pg. 2947KB)
En Español

CDC Resources for Transportation Workers

Cruise Ship Guidance
Guidance for crew members and passengers of cruise ships to reduce their risk of exposure to novel influenza A (H1N1) influenza.

Resources for Swine Workers

CDC/USDA Fact Sheet: What Pork Producers and Workers Need to Know About Influenza (Flu) in Pigs and People

PDF Only (3 pg. 185KB)

National Pork Board H1N1 Influenza Biosecurity Recommendations for Producers

PDF Only (3 pg. 63KB)

Pandemic Influenza Workplace Resources

Psychological and Social Support for Essential Service Workers During an Influenza Pandemic
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating its Pandemic Influenza Plan (including supplements) based on the policy and planning advances that have taken place since 2005 (http://www.hhs.gov/pandemicflu/plan/#part2). Given the concerns expressed with the current H1N1 outbreak in multiple countries, this "CDC Interim Guidance on Psychological and Social Support for Essential Service Workers During an Influenza Pandemic" is being posted here to assist preparedness efforts for workers and employers. This guidance is being scheduled to replace (revise) the current Supplement 11 for the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan (http://www.hhs.gov/pandemicflu/plan/sup11.html). This guidance has been updated to include HHS resources developed since 2005 and to take into account lessons learned from public health responses to diseases outbreaks and natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires, and floods). It includes information on workforce resiliency programs and on organizational factors that affect workforce performance and well-being. The bibliography, checklist, and list of psychological and social support services have been updated, and a new Leadership Self-Assessment Tool has been added to help employers of essential service workers develop plans for ensuring the availability of workforce support services during an influenza.

PDF Only (30 pg.203KB)

NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:

Occupational Health Issues Associated with H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)

Overview