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Published on: May 7, 2013
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Reported Exposures Among In-Person Workers With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Hannah Free1, Sara E Luckhaupt1, Rachael M Billock1
1Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Summary
Occupational severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure was common in non-healthcare workers. Understanding workplace risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies against infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Current surveillance systems lack detailed occupational exposure data for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) initiated a study to gather this critical information from non-healthcare workers.
- The study focused on individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 who worked in-person during the two weeks preceding illness onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of occupational SARS-CoV-2 exposure among non-healthcare workers.
- To identify specific work-related risk factors contributing to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To inform the development of targeted prevention interventions for vulnerable worker populations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to adults diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection who worked in non-healthcare settings.
- Data collected included demographics, medical history, occupational details, and work/non-work exposures.
- Exposure was categorized as at work, outside of work only, or unknown, based on close contact with infected individuals.
Main Results:
- Nearly 20% of respondents reported occupational SARS-CoV-2 exposure, while over 23% reported exposure outside of work only.
- Workers in protective services and public administration industries reported the highest rates of occupational exposure.
- Frequent close contact with coworkers (≥10 daily) or clients/customers (≥10 daily) significantly increased the likelihood of workplace exposure.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is a significant concern among non-healthcare workers.
- Identifying specific worker groups and settings with high exposure rates is essential for effective prevention.
- Integrating employment characteristics into standard demographic data collection will enhance future public health surveillance and response efforts.
