This section highlights OSHA standards, directives, and other related information that may be applicable in the event of possible worker exposure to ebolavirus. Workers have the right to file a complaint to address exposure to a serious health or safety hazard. Workers may also contact their local OSHA area office to discuss workplace situations and options such as filing a complaint or requesting an onsite inspection. In addition to complying with this guidance, Section 11(c) of the OSH Act, 29 USC 660(c), prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for raising concerns about safety and health conditions. OSHA encourages workers who suffer such retaliation to submit a complaint to OSHA. Workers have 30 days to file their complaints.

OSHA Standards

OSHA requires employers to protect workers from occupational exposure and hazards including ebolaviruses, the chemicals used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces potentially contaminated with ebolavirus, and other related hazards.

There is no specific OSHA Standard covering exposure to ebolaviruses. Where there is no OSHA standard applicable to a specific hazardous exposure, OSHA requires employers to furnish to each worker "employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm" as indicated in the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1).

Where there is occupational exposure to ebolavirus, employers must meet the following OSHA standards, as applicable:

• Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). The BBP standard requires employers to, among other things, implement an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) and provide appropriate personal protective equipment when workers may be occupationally exposed to human blood or other potentially infectious materials. It is important to note that the BBP standard does not apply to animal blood containing ebolavirus. However, the provisions of the standard offer a framework that may help control some sources of the virus that aren't covered by the BBP standard.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E). Similar to the BBP standard, the PPE standards require employers to provide and ensure workers use protective equipment, including items such as gloves, goggles, and face shields, when necessary to protect workers from hazards.
• Respiratory Protection standards (29 CFR 1910.134 and 1926.103). Apply to situations in which workers may be exposed to aerosolized body fluids containing ebolavirus.

Under the BBP and PPE standards, employers must protect healthcare and other workers who may be exposed to blood and body fluids. CDC guidance contains useful information on how to protect workers exposed to ebolaviruses, including recommendations for PPE and infection control practices on the CDC's Ebola webpage. Employers would likely need to comply with provisions from a combination of OSHA standards and CDC guidance to implement a comprehensive worker protection program for workers who may be exposed to blood and body fluids containing ebolaviruses.

Employers must comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and other applicable OSHA chemical standards where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals including, but not limited to, disinfectants, sanitizers, and cleaning agents.

Employers with workers who are exposed to ebolavirus and subsequently have an inpatient hospitalization or death from EVD are required to record these incidents and report them to OSHA per the General Recording Criteria requirements (29 CFR 1904.7) and the regulations for reporting fatalities and hospitalizations (29 CFR 1904.39). For information about recording, posting, and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses as required by 29 CFR 1904, see OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements.

Depending on the specific work task, setting, and exposure to biological or chemical agents, applicable OSHA regulatory requirements may include: