Using the chart above, I would eliminate a hazard such as flu by enforcing laws that everyone needs to get vaccinate, this is something that it is offered. Although, it could not be forced, since people have their own beliefs regarding vaccinations. A substitution would be letting the workers wear masks during flu season, which is something that is also available to all employees. Isolating people from hazard, with something like the flu, this may be hard. I would dedicate a station with those who have the flu to be transferred there for the time being. I think that most of these are being controlled well by his workplace and they are following the list of hierarchy of controls.
For this example, there are no real barriers that I could think of. The only thing may be if vaccination is enforced for all workers and using masks was not a second option. This would go against some beliefs and would put people on the edge with this policy.
This is great! Truly eliminating the threat would be requiring everyone to get the vaccine or if people refuse, that they be required to wear masks at all times as you've mentioned. I agree with you that a significant barrier is people's beliefs about getting vaccinated, but that can be addressed through providing health education and support in encouraging people to get vaccinated. For employees, organizations should also allow them personal time to go and get vaccinated as well, which supports the creation of a flexible and healthy workplace environment.
ReplyDeleteInteresting take on HIV above. I'm not sure I would agree that it's harder to prevent than the flu for RNs in the workplace, but at least we have a relatively effective vaccination against influenza. Most clinical environments require their employees to get a flu shot unless medically contraindicated. Some sites allow staff to wear a mask in lieu of vaccination, but this is a relatively controversial alternative that can still put patients and providers at risk.
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