Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CUTS

NYSLL Art. 2 Sec 27-a(3)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish to each of its employees, employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees in that employees were exposed to rabies. Veterinary touches and Animal Control Officers were exposed to the hazard of being infected with the rabies virus through possible direct contact with [saliva] of potentially rabid animals [such as raccoons] being introduced into open cuts or wounds in the skin or via mucous membranes. - Feasible and useful abatement method for reducing this hazard: The employer did not provide a comprehensive training program which included proper handling practices, personal protective equipment, the etudogy and modes of transmission of the disease, decontamination and avoidance of animal/saliva contact. This training was deficient in offering occupationally exposed employees who accept the rabies vaccination training and information as presented in the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control MMWR, Vol. 40, NO RR-3 March 22, 1991.