Cal/OSHA posts guidance on protecting workers from Monkeypox

Sacramento—Cal/OSHA has posted guidance on monkeypox (MPX) to ensure workers in California are protected from the aerosol transmissible disease. This guidance applies to workplaces covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) standard, including health care facilities, medical transport, police, public health services and more.

Monkeypox (MPX) spreads primarily by close or direct contact, but can also become airborne. Regulations require employers to:

• Implement a written program to prevent or reduce the transmission of aerosol transmissible diseases specific to the workplace and operations.
• Provide and ensure the use of respiratory protection.
• Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and used by employees exposed to persons with or suspected to have MPX, or to linens or surfaces that may contain the virus.
• Implement written procedures for exposure incidents.
• Report the exposure to the local health officer.

Cal/OSHA’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard has differing requirements for three different types of employers – (1) referring employers, (2) laboratories, and (3) all other employers.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424 or their local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office or email InfoCons@dir.ca.gov.

Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Workers who have questions about workplace hazards and protections can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative during normal business hours.