CREA Employee Handbook - State and Local Policies (Updated …

based on specific workplace conditions.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have compiled lists of approved disinfectants that are effective against many infectious agents (see [dec.ny.gov and epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered- disinfectants](https://dec.ny.gov and epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered- disinfectants)). Select disinfectants based on NYSDOH and CDC guidance and follow manufacturer guidance for methods, dilution, use, and contact time.

B. Adjustments to Normal Housekeeping Procedures

Normal housekeeping duties and schedules should continue to be followed during an infectious disease outbreak, to the extent practicable and appropriate consistent with NYSDOH and/or CDC guidance in effect at the time. However, routine procedures may need to be adjusted and additional cleaning and disinfecting may be required. Housekeeping staff may be at increased risk because they may be cleaning many potentially contaminated surfaces. Some housekeeping activities, like dry sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting, can resuspend into the air particles that are contaminated with the infectious agent. For that reason, alternative methods and/or increased levels of protection may be needed. Rather than dusting, for example, the CDC recommends cleaning surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them. Conducting housekeeping during "off" hours may also reduce other workers' exposures to the infectious agent. Best practice dictates that housekeepers should wear respiratory protection. See cdc.gov for more guidance. C. If an employee develops symptoms of the infectious disease at work, it is ideal to isolate the area in accordance with guidance issued by NYSDOH or the CDC, before cleaning and disinfecting the sick employee's work area. This delay will allow contaminated droplets to settle out of the air and the space to be ventilated. D. As feasible, liners should be used in trash containers. Empty the containers often enough to prevent overfilling. Do not forcefully squeeze the air out of the trash bags before tying them closed. Trash containers may contain soiled tissue or face coverings. IV. INFECTION RESPONSE DURING A DESIGNATED OUTBREAK If an actual, or suspected, infectious disease case occurs at work, take the following actions:  Instruct the sick individual to wear a face covering and leave the worksite and follow NYSDOH/CDC guidance.  Follow local and state authority guidance to inform impacted individuals. V. TRAINING AND INFORMATION DURING A DESIGNATED OUTBREAK A. CREA's Human Resources department will verbally inform all employees of the existence and location of this Plan, the circumstances it can be activated, the infectious disease standard, employer policies, and employee rights under the HERO Act. (Note: training need not be provided to the following individuals: any individuals working for staffing agencies, contractors or subcontractors on behalf of the employer at any individual worksite, as well as any individual delivering goods or transporting people at, to or from the worksite on behalf of the employer, where delivery or transport is conducted by an individual or entity that would otherwise be deemed an employer under this chapter). B. When this plan is activated, all personnel will receive training that will cover all elements of this plan and the following topics: 1. The infectious agent and the disease(s) it can cause; 2. The signs and symptoms of the disease; 3. How the disease can be spread; 4. An explanation of this Exposure Prevention Plan; 5. The activities and locations at our worksite that may involve exposure to the infectious agent; 6. The use and limitations of exposure controls 7. A review of the standard, including employee rights provided under Labor Law, Section 218-B.

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