This information is current as of February 21, 2025

Basic infection control guidance for all workplaces

DOSH recommends that employers continue to assess their workers’ exposure risk and take precautions to prevent airborne transmissible disease spread.

• For health care workers follow CDC recommendations and use Standard Precautions when working near someone with known or suspected respiratory infection. See Standard Precautions in Health care Settings.
• Recommendations for Non-health care employees follow Preventing Respiratory Viruses | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC .
• Employers with workers who voluntarily use respiratory protection must make sure the voluntary use of the respirator does not create a safety or security issue. See voluntary use requirements in WAC 296-800-16080, Voluntary use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• For required respirator use, make sure workers wear appropriate, fit-tested, NIOSH-approved respirators, and follow all requirements for their safe use. Make sure you have a respirator program that meets the requirements in Respirators, Chapter 296-842, WAC.
  • See also Written Respiratory Protection Program Template & Guide.
• DOSH recommends including the risks of disease transmission hazards in the employer’s Accident Prevention Program, or equivalent safety program. See Safety & Health Core Rules, Accident Prevention Program Chapter 296-800 WAC.
• Use gloves to prevent contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Provide hand washing facilities and supplies. DOSH recommends regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
• Record work-related hospitalizations and fatalities, on the OSHA 300 log. See Workplace Injuries & Fatalities .
• Report work-related  hospitalizations and fatalities to DOSH.

Workplace Discrimination & Retaliation

Employees have a right to safe and healthy work environment. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 49.17 prohibits employers from retaliating against employees. Workers have 90 days to file their complaint with L&I DOSH and/or with Federal OSHA. See Discrimination in the Workplace for more information.

What to do when you are sick?

• Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick | Respiratory Illnesses (CDC)
• Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu Infographic | Flu Resource Center (CDC)

Health Care

• COVID-19 Infection Prevention in Health Care Settings | Washington State Department of Health
• Infection Control (CDC)
• Infection Control Guidance: SARS-CoV-2 | COVID-19 (CDC)
• Influenza (Flu) (CDC)
• Nursing & Residential Care
• Standard Precautions for Healthcare Activities

Respirator Resources

• Respirators
• Respiratory Protection During Outbreaks: Respirators versus Surgical Masks (CDC)

Ventilation

• Ventilation and Air Quality for Reducing Transmission of Airborne Illnesses

Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Rules

Accident Prevention Program (APP)

• All industries, except Agriculture: WAC 296-800-140
• Agriculture: Chapter 296-307, WAC Part B
• Some industries have additional requirements. Search Safety & Health rules for all APP requirements

Airborne Contaminants

• Chapter 296-841, WAC, Airborne Contaminants

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• All industries, except Agriculture: WAC 296-800-160
• Agriculture: Chapter 296-307, WAC Part H
• Some industries have additional requirements. Search Safety & Health rules for PPE requirement

Reporting and Notifications

• Recordkeeping and Reporting - Employers covered by recordkeeping rules must record workplace injuries and illnesses (including work-related COVID-19, novel flu, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illnesses) on an OSHA 300 log. Follow the direction in Chapter 296-27 WAC, Recordkeeping and Reporting

Respirators/Respiratory Protection

• Chapter 296-842, WAC, Respirators