Focus on Wellness:
Infectious Diseases: Part II

ATU members who work directly with the public or who clean and service public transportation vehicles, including school bus drivers, paramedics, intercity bus and transit operators, and transit maintenance employees, are at risk for exposure to infectious diseases.

The following is the second of a two-part article on infectious diseases. Part I of the article covered the types of infectious diseases that endanger those who deal with the public and outlined the Universal Precautions one should take when the possibility of being infected presents itself.

Exposure and Injury Response If Someone Else Becomes Sick or Injured

If a passenger, coworker, or other person becomes sick or injured in your presence, you should take the following actions:

• Follow the universal precautions outlined in Part I of this article
• Isolate the area from other passengers if you are onboard a vehicle or in a station - evacuate if necessary
• Get first aid or medical help, if necessary. If you are not trained and certified to perform CPR or other first aid procedures, do not attempt to do so
• Use a biohazard spill kit, if available, and follow appropriate disposal procedures

If Your Are Exposed or Injured

If you become injured or are exposed to potentially contaminated material, particularly blood or other bodily fluids, you should take the following steps:

• Follow the Universal Precautions outlined in Part I, including immediately washing you hands or other exposed areas and disposing of contaminated clothing
• Immediately report the exposure incident to your supervisor and use your agency's existing reporting procedures. Be sure to follow any applicable company policies and procedures to ensure that any necessary follow-up occur.
• Notify your Shop Steward or other local union officer
• Get a medical evaluation

If you have an exposure incident on the job, your agency should provide a medical evaluation and any required follow-up testing, including, if necessary, testing for blood borne disease, vaccinations and counseling. Do not return to the contaminated area until it has been effectively decontaminated by trained and properly equipped personnel.

Employer Responsibilities

Laws governing employer responsibilities in connection with exposure to infectious disease, and bloodborne pathogens in particular, vary by state, province and local jurisdiction. In general, however, most employers (public and private) are required to provide employees with:

• Hazard Awareness Training
• Methods to control and prevent exposures Medical treatment in the event of exposure
• Vaccination against Hepatitis B infection
• Incident records and occupational health and safety logs
• Rules designed to protect them from exposure
• Disposal policies and procedures

For More Information:

For more information on infectious diseases, universal precautions, and your employers responsibilities, consult the following websites: