Disposable Gloves » Pandemic Flu

OSHA, NIOSH budgets increase as part of appropriations bill

Lindsay Nemastil — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:05:43 +0000

President Obama has approved legislation to increase the budgets to two of the key government agencies responsible for ensuring occupational safety. The appropriations bill, signed into law in December, will increase 2010 OSHA and NIOSH budgets by 8% and 5%, respectively. According to Safety + Health magazine, the agencies expect to use the additional funds to hire compliance officers and expand pandemic flu preparedness.

Pandemic flu’s impact on the workforce

Michael Prather — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:16:58 +0000

From January 2010 issue of Safety+Health:

“CDC and OSHA estimate as much as 40 percent of a workforce could be affected by a pandemic and be absent from work due to illness, having to care for a sick family member, or having to care for children in the event of a school closure. In addition to absenteeism, organizations must contend with presenteeism–when a sick worker is physically present. According to CDC, an individual who comes to work with the H1N1 virus will infect 10 percent of the workforce.”

CDC warns H1N1 still a risk

Michael Prather — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:02:08 +0000

The US Center for Disease Control is warning Americans not to become complacent regarding the H1N1 Flu Virus. The virus continues to effect Americans across the country with four New England states still reporting widespread activity. Between August 30 and December 26, there were more than 37,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations and nearly 1,700 deaths in the United States (CDC).

CDC: H1N1 still circulating; vaccine plentiful
As Swine Flu Wanes, Don’t Be Fooled

Q: Can employers require employees to wear gloves?

Michael Prather — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:42:13 +0000

A: According to Flu.gov, employers are permitted to require employees to wear gloves and other personal protective equipment to reduce the transmission of a pandemic virus such as H1N1.

For more information, such as accommodating employees with disabilities, click here.

H1N1 Glove Recommendations Still Vague

Michael Prather — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:36:30 +0000

Glove recommendations related to the H1N1 flu by the CDC, FDA, and OSHA remain vague. Below are links to guidelines containing information on glove usage that have been published to date:

Ohio OK’s use of surgical masks in lieu of N95’s

Michael Prather — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:58:49 +0000

The State of Ohio has reversed guidelines requiring healthcare workers to use NIOSH-approved N95 respirators to prevent the spread of H1N1. Under heavy pressure from hospitals facing widespread shortages of the N95 respirators, the state health department eased regulations despite contradicting guidance from the Center for Disease Control.

Study finds businesses are not ready for H1N1

Michael Prather — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:05:29 +0000

A recent study conducted by Harvard University suggests that the majority of businesses are not prepared for a potential H1n1 outbreak, reports the Associated Press. According to the article, businesses have been forced to focus their attention on the fledgling economy and have not had time to consider preparedness strategies.

To help prepare for the upcoming flu season, check out flu.gov. This government website offers a variety of tools and resources to guide businesses in creating contingency plans in the event of a pandemic flu.

FDA Approves H1N1 Vaccine

Michael Prather — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:16:16 +0000

Tuesday, the FDA approved the highly anticipated H1n1 (Swine Flu) vaccine. According to a press release issued by the FDA, national distribution of the vaccine is expected to begin sometime in the month. The vaccine will be offered in addition to the normal seasonal flu vaccine.

It remains unclear how news of the H1n1 vaccine will effect demand for gloves and other personal protection equipment. Until now, demand (and prices) have been increasingly steadily as flu season draws near.

Has flu season arrived early?

Michael Prather — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:09:10 +0000

Reports of increased influenza activity have already begun to surface, according to information released by the CDC last Friday. Despite the increase, the CDC says it too soon to tell if this activity means flu season has arrived early. The official start of flu season is typically defined by three consecutive weeks where reports of influenza cases exceed statistical baselines.

Read the full CDC report.

H1N1 Safety Products: False claims

Michael Prather — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:15:55 +0000

I am regularly impressed by the FDA website and the amount of public information one can easily access from it. One great feature to the site is the ability to view warning letters the FDA has sent out to companies that are in violation of FDA regulations. Unauthorized marketing claims about the H1N1 virus is one of the most popular causes for FDA warning letters this year; Since May, the FDA has issued 64 such letters to companies in violation.

As demand for products mounts in preparation for the upcoming flu season, use caution when buying products to fight the spread of the H1N1 virus. If you find a gloves or other personal protective equipment (PPE) claiming to prevent H1N1 (or Swine Flu), we strongly encourage contacting the FDA and/or the Center for Disease Control to verify the validity of these claims prior to purchasing the product.