OSHA issues guidance for employers on the Zika virus

OSHA, in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, has issued guidance for employers and employees on how to prevent occupational exposure to the Zika virus.

Most the focus of the seven-page guidance [pdf] focuses on preventing mosquito bites. While Ohio is not in the Zika hot-zone, you may have employees traveling there. Business travelers should be aware that the transmission of the Zika virus via infected mosquitos has been reported in Mexico, countries throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

Because the main long-term side-effect of Zika impacts the newborn of infected pregnant women, the guidance recommends that pregnant women refrain from traveling to areas with active Zika virus transmission. In addition, OSHA suggest that employers consider being flexible with workers concerned about Zika exposure, such as delaying travel for employees who are or may become pregnant or whose sexual partners may become pregnant.