Are you and your team aware that norovirus can spread like wildfire in the workplace, making it crucial to recognize symptoms and promptly report illness to protect everyone?
Norovirus, often referred to as the “vomiting bug” or “winter vomiting disease,” is a highly contagious virus responsible for widespread outbreaks of gastroenteritis.
With symptoms such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, norovirus can quickly disrupt workplace environments. Aside from affecting employee productivity, it also costs employers $2- $10 billion annually in the U.S, and $60 billion globally.
Each year, millions are infected, particularly in settings where people gather closely, such as offices, schools, and restaurants. Understanding how norovirus spreads and implementing effective prevention strategies is essential for safeguarding employees and maintaining a healthy workplace.
Here, we’ll highlight practical measures you can take to prevent the spread of norovirus in your organization.
Let’s break it down.
Related Article: The Costs of Overlooking Medical Surveillance.
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What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is often referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” with outbreaks occurring throughout the year. However, these mostly common occur from November to April.
It’s a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It spreads easily through the fecal-oral route, primarily via contaminated food, water, surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms typically develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last from one to three days. While most healthy individuals recover without complications, norovirus can pose serious risks to vulnerable groups like the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals.
According to CDC, there are around 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks every year, causing on average:
– 900 deaths, mostly among adults aged 65 and older
– 109,000 hospitalizations
– 465,000 emergency department visits, mostly in young children
– 2,270,000 outpatient clinic visits annually, mostly in young children
– 19 to 21 million illnesses
Key Norovirus Prevention Strategies
1. Hand Hygiene
Frequent and thorough handwashing is the most effective way to prevent norovirus transmission. Employees should wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds:
– After using the restroom
– Before preparing or consuming food
– After handling potentially contaminated items
Notably, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus, meaning handwashing should always remain prioritized.
2. Symptom Management
Employees exhibiting symptoms of norovirus should stay home until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. This helps prevent the virus from spreading to coworkers. Employers should encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting illness without fear of repercussions.
3. Cleaning Protocols
Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces are essential in controlling norovirus outbreaks. High-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and shared equipment should be cleaned frequently with a bleach solution (1000 ppm) or other EPA-approved disinfectants.
– Immediate Response to Incidents: If an employee vomits or has diarrhea at work, it should be cleaned immediately using appropriate protective equipment (gloves, masks) to minimize exposure.
4. Food Safety Measures
In food service environments, strict hygiene practices must be enforced. Sick employees must not prepare or serve food, and regular training on food safety and hygiene should be provided to all staff members.
5. Communication and Training
Employers should provide clear guidelines on norovirus prevention and ensure all employees are trained on proper hygiene practices and cleaning protocols. Regular reminders about the importance of these measures can reinforce good habits.
– Read CDC’s Publication on How to Prevent Norovirus.
– Read OSHA’s Publication on Noroviruses.
– See CDC/MMWR’s report on Updated Norovirus Outbreak Management and Disease Prevention Guidelines.
Developing an Exposure Control Plan
To help battle norovirus (as well as other contagious illnesses), you’ll also want to create an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) tailored to your specific workplace environment.
This plan should outline identification of high-risk areas, procedures for reporting illness, cleaning protocols, and training requirements for staff
Regular reviews of your ECP can help adapt to new information or changes in workplace dynamics.
– See CDC’s Key Infection Control Recommendation (for the Control of Norovirus Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings).
Key Takeaways
The threat of norovirus in the workplace is a serious concern that can lead to significant health issues and operational disruptions.
By prioritizing effective prevention strategies—such as promoting rigorous hand hygiene, implementing thorough cleaning protocols, and fostering a culture of open communication regarding illness—you can significantly mitigate the risk of outbreaks.
Additionally, developing a tailored Exposure Control Plan ensures that all employees are aware of their roles in maintaining a safe work environment.
Stay in Compliance with Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct silica exam physicals, on-site respirator fit tests (including N95 masks), audiometric exams, as well as pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, and much more, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
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