once again, the workplace is the target of criminal activity which can be another form of terrorism. various recent confirmed incidents of u. yes Postal Service mail delivered to workplaces containing anthrax has spurred the Postal Service, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Occupational Safety and Health Commission to issue advisories on how to respond to the threat of contaminated mail.
These notices posted on the USPS, CDC and OSHA websites provide information on how to identify suspicious letters and packages and how to respond to mail known or suspected to be contaminated. They also provide links to other resources, such as the Federal Emergency Management Administration.
characteristics or signs of suspicious mail
The CDC, USPS, and OSHA advisories list features or signs to look for to identify mail that may be contaminated with biological or chemical agents, or may be hazardous. Those features include: 1) no return address; 2) excess postage; 3) misspelled words; 4) careless typing or handwriting; 5) incorrect or incomplete recipient information; 6) crooked or uneven envelope or packing; 7) excessive tape or string; 8) stains or discoloration on the envelope or wrapper; 9) an unrecognized or unexpected foreign return address; 10) a strange smell.
summary of preventive or response measures
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that the following steps be taken if a suspicious letter or package is detected prior to opening: 1) do not shake or empty the contents; 2) place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or other type of container to prevent spills, or cover it with whatever is available, such as clothing, paper, or a trash can, and keep it covered; 3) leave the area and close the door or block off the area to prevent others from entering; 4) wash hands with soap and water to prevent spread to other parts of the body; 5) report to a supervisor or building security and local law enforcement; 6) List all persons who may have been exposed to the item and provide the list to those officials for follow-up.
if an envelope or package has already been opened and contains powder, or powder spills: 1) do not clean up the powder and immediately cover the contents with anything, such as clothing, paper, or a trash can; 2) leave the room and close the door or block off the area to prevent others from entering; 3) wash hands with soap and water and shower with soap and water as soon as possible; 4) report the incident to a supervisor or to building security and local law enforcement; 5) remove contaminated clothing and store in a sealed container for delivery to emergency officials for follow-up; 6) provide a list of all persons who may have been exposed to the contaminated article to law enforcement and emergency medical authorities for follow-up and investigation.
The United States Postal Service has similar advice for mail handling procedures. in addition, the postal service advises people to take any medication prescribed by a doctor as a result of possible exposure.
More information is available on the CDC, USPS, and OSHA websites.
what employers should be doing now
While there has yet to be any mandate issued by a court, legislature or government agency requiring employers to institute mail handling procedures, employers across the country are assessing the risk to their employees and developing appropriate responses . Precautions for handling incoming mail may include the use of protective devices, such as letter openers, latex gloves, or surgical masks, or the segregation of suspicious items for recovery by the recipient. Employees who process or handle incoming mail should be told what to do and who to contact if they find a suspicious item or are exposed to dust or other foreign substances contained in a letter or package. other measures may be needed to adequately protect employees and provide them with the information they need to avoid unnecessary panic or overreaction.