Hazard Preparedness

Hazard Preparedness

Whether natural, biological, chemical, infectious or man-made emergencies or disasters, the occupational and environmental health nurse (OHN) is a key player in all-hazard preparedness, possessing the skills, knowledge and experience to develop, manage, and implement an all-hazard preparedness program in the workplace and the larger community. As a member of the emergency or disaster response planning team, as well as one of the first-line responders, the OHN performs multi-levels of response, in the planning process and in the emergency event or disaster itself. Collaboration and coordination with community groups is imperative.

Related to All-Hazard Preparedness, AAOHN has provided the following resources and association responses:

Position Statements

The Occupational Health Nurse's Role in All-Hazard Perparedness (2003; Revised 2004)

Advisories

Only members who log in can view advisories online for free. Non-members can go to the AAOHN Advisory page to purchase a printed copy.

Emergency Planning for All Hazards (2007)

Comments

Proposed Considerations for Antiviral Drug Stockpiling by Employers in Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic

Interim guidance on the use and purchase of facemasks and respirators by individuals and families for pandemic influenza preparedness

Emergency Response and Preparedness - To OSHA Re: First Responders (November 2007)

Respirator Use - Response to NIOSH on the Interim Guidance-CDC Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators by Healthcare Personnel and Members of the Public During an Influenza Pandemic (July 2006)

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) (November 2006)

Hazardous Labeling - American National Standard Institute (ANSI): Hazardous Industrial Chemicals - Precautionary Labeling (ANSI Z 129.1) (September 2005)

Bioterrorism - To OSHA on Managing Anthrax Contaminants in Healthcare Facilities (March 2004)

Letters

Infectious Aerosols/Respirator Protection - Letter to John Henshaw on OSHA's decision to withdraw the TB execption in favor of applying the general industry standard for respiratory protection against airborne infectious aerosols (April 2004)

Natural Disaster - Letter to John Howard, Director of NIOSH, offering assistance for tsunami relief efforts (January 2004)

Alliances

American Red Cross

OSHA Alliance

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/index.html

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html