According to the “NY HERO ACT Model Airborne Infectious Disease
Exposure Prevention Plan” provided by the NYSDOL:
During an airborne infectious disease outbreak, the following minimum controls will be used in all areas of the worksite:
General Awareness: Individuals may not be aware that they have the infectious disease and can spread it to others. Employees should remember to:
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- Maintain physical distancing;
- Exercise coughing/sneezing etiquette;
- Wear face coverings, gloves, and personal protective equipment (PPE), as appropriate;
- Individuals limit what they touch;
- Stop social etiquette behaviors such as hugging and hand shaking, and
- Wash hands properly and often.
“Stay at Home Policy”: If an employee develops symptoms of the infectious disease, the employee should not be in the workplace. The employee should inform the designated contact and follow New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding obtaining medical care and isolating.
Health Screening: Employees will be screened for symptoms of the infectious disease at the beginning of their shift. Employees are to self-monitor throughout their shift and report any new or emerging signs or symptoms of the infectious disease to the designated contact. An employee showing signs or symptoms of the infectious disease should be removed from the workplace and should contact a healthcare professional for instructions. The health screening elements will follow guidance from NYSDOH and CDC guidance, if available.
Face Coverings: When in use, face coverings must cover the nose and mouth, and fit snugly, but comfortably, against the face. The face covering itself must not create a hazard (e.g., have features could get caught in machinery or cause severe fogging of eyewear). The face coverings must be kept clean and sanitary and changed when soiled, contaminated, or damaged.
Physical Distancing: Physical distancing will be used, to the extent feasible, as advised by guidance from State Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as applicable in situations where prolonged close contact with other individuals is likely, use the following control methods: (Note to employer: Check off the controls you intend to use and add any additional controls not listed here.)
- restricting or limiting customer or visitor entry;
- limiting occupancy;
- allowing only one person at a time inside small enclosed spaces with poor ventilation;
- reconfiguring workspaces;
- physical barriers;
- signage;
- floor markings;
- telecommuting;
- remote meetings;
- preventing gatherings;
- restricting travel;
- creating new work shifts and/or staggering work hours;
- adjusting break times and lunch periods;
- delivering services remotely or through curb-side pickup.
Hand Hygiene: To prevent the spread of infection, employees should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean hands BEFORE and AFTER:Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- Touching your mask;
- Entering and leaving a public place; and
- Touching an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, or electronic cashier registers/screens.
- Because hand sanitizers are less effective on soiled hands, wash hands rather than using hand sanitizer when your hands are soiled.
Cleaning and Disinfection: See Section V of this plan.
“Respiratory Etiquette”: Because infectious diseases can be spread by droplets expelled from the mouth and nose, employees should exercise appropriate respiratory etiquette by covering nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing or yawning.
Special Accommodations for Individuals with Added Risk Factors: Some employees, due to age, underlying health condition, or other factors, may be at increased risk of severe illness if infected. Please inform your supervisor or the HR department if you fall within this group and need an accommodation.