Chao Unveils the Anthrax Matrix

Nov. 16, 2001
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the Anthrax Matrix - a new model to assist employers and employees in dealing with possible workplace exposures to anthrax in mail handling operations.

The Matrix: A science fiction movie about a society which is not what it seems. Everything is fine in the life of the hero until one day, when everything changes and everything he thinks he knows about his life is called into question.

The same can be said of life in the United States before and after Sept. 11. As a result, the term "matrix" is taking on another meaning.

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the Anthrax Matrix - a new model to assist employers and employees in dealing with possible workplace exposures to anthrax in mail handling operations.

The Matrix guides employers in assessing risk to their workers, providing appropriate protective equipment and specifying safe work practices for low, medium and high risk levels in the workplace.

"Most employers and employees face little or no risk of exposure to anthrax and need only minimal precautions," Chao said. "But some may have to deal with potential or known exposures, and we want to make sure they have all possible information available to protect Americans at their workplace."

Chao pointed out that there have been only four deaths and 17 confirmed cases of anthrax infection but indicated that the department wants to be proactive in assisting employers and workers concerned about anthrax and other potential terrorist threats.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed the matrix in consultation with the U.S. Postal Service, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the FBI. OSHA expects to continually update information on anthrax and other terrorism threats as new guidance becomes available.

"The OSHA information is easy to access and understand," Chao said. "We are providing needed guidance, not creating new requirements. The world has changed since Sept. 11. Threats to our national security now can clearly involve the workplace."

John L. Henshaw, assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, noted that OSHA''s role remains the same - assuring the safety and health of America''s workers - but added that "the paradigm has shifted. We must shift with it to provide the best possible guidance to help employers and employees address new threats."

The Anthrax Matrix, shaped like a pyramid, includes three sections: green for low, yellow for medium and red for high risk of exposure. Each section links to useful information and practical guidance to help determine an appropriate response.

The Matrix is available on OSHA''s Web site at www.osha.gov. There is also general information on anthrax and mail handling procedures on the agency''s Web site, links to detailed information from CDC, the U.S. Postal Service, the FBI and other sources of information on biological and chemical hazards and emergency preparedness.

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 IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics 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.

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