This section highlights OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to worker exposure to measles.

There is no specific OSHA standard covering measles. However, some OSHA requirements may apply to the prevention of occupational exposure to measles. Among the most relevant are:

OSHAs Recordkeeping and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illness. Measles that is acquired in the workplace is a recordable illness since it meets the definition in CFR 29 1904 Subpart C as an illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid. If an employee with occupationally-acquired measles is hospitalized, OSHA must be notified within 24 hours as indicated in CFR 29 1904 Subpart E.

OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I and in construction, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E) require that an employer must assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, and select PPE that will protect affected employees. The employer must provide this PPE and train workers how to use it. For measles, selected PPE may include gloves, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection, as determined by the task and hazards identified.

OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. The BBP standard applies to occupational exposure to some human body fluids, including saliva in dental procedures, which can transmit measles. The BBP standard also describes measures that could serve as a framework to control non-bloodborne exposures that can transmit measles, including exposures to body fluids (e.g., sputum, respiratory and nasal secretions, and saliva, outside of dental procedures) to which the standard does not apply.

The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), requires employers to furnish to each worker "employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm."

Employers must also protect their workers from exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Employers should be aware that common sanitizers and sterilizers could contain hazardous chemicals. Where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, employers must comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910.1200 and, in construction, 29 CFR 1926.59) and other applicable OSHA chemical standards. OSHA provides information about hazardous chemicals used in hospitals in the Housekeeping section of its Hospital eTool.

Depending on the specific work task, setting, and exposure to other biological or chemical agents, additional OSHA standards that may also apply, including: