What is the procedure per OSHA standards when a worker is exposed to MRSA from a patient?
As with any workplace hazard, employers are required to perform a hazard assessment and implement feasible measures for protecting employees (e.g. engineering and administrative controls, as well as personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, and face masks). An employer must make the determination as to what measures best protect the worker based on the tasks being performed. Please refer to the MRSA section of OSHA’s Hospital eTool for a comprehensive set of information and guidance on workplace exposures to MRSA. Q: What standard does a workplace MRSA infection fall under? A: Compliance with several OSHA Standards will assist with improving the protection of employees who may be exposed to MRSA in the workplace. Please see [the OSHA site] for a Q&A which provides a list of OSHA standards of special importance. Q: Is there a procedure to determine if a MRSA infection was in fact an occupational exposure? A: Employers would need to use similar methods of evaluating exposures
