The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued recommendations for employers and employees that the agency hopes will reduce the risk of anthrax exposure when handling mail.
"The risk of exposure to anthrax in most offices is minute, however a few common sense steps should always be taken," said Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. "These will help companies and their employees reduce the risk of exposure. Now, more than ever, we must work together to protect the health of our employees."
Chao advised workers to exercise good judgment and caution when handling mail and take the following precautionary measures as outlined by OSHA:
- Be on the lookout for suspicious letters and packages, including packages or envelopes of unusual weight or size, packages or envelopes with a handwritten address and/or no return address and packages or envelopes with excessive postage.
- Open packages/envelopes with a minimum amount of movement and always use a letter opener or method that is least likely to disturb the contents.
- Do not blow into envelopes.
- Do not shake or pour out the contents.
- Keep hands away from nose and mouth when opening mail.
- Always wash hands after handling mail.
Chao added that if employers or employees choose to use protective equipment such as gloves, it is important they take necessary steps to make sure these items are handled and used properly.
edited by Sandy Smith
About the Author
EHS Today Staff
EHS Today's editorial staff includes:
Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.
Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.