National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Report 

JACKSONVILLE - The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (FDOH DC) announced today the receipt of recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding environmental controls at facilities providing services to persons at-risk for homelessness. The reports’ recommendations, which were issued in a technical document called Evaluation of Environmental Controls, are intended to provide guidance and increase infectious disease control measures.

“We welcome the NIOSH recommendations as they seek to provide additional direction in reducing risks for exposure to preventable infectious diseases,” said Director of the Florida Department of Health in Duval County Dr. Kelli Wells. “We will continue working with the Jacksonville Community Tuberculosis Coalition (JCTBC) and other community partners to assist with the implementation of recommendations.”

The NIOSH environmental controls evaluations (conducted in August 2012) were focused on the City Rescue Mission (Downtown and McDuff campuses), Community Rehabilitation Center, and Trinity Rescue Mission. The reports’ recommendations have been shared with each participating facility and the JCTBC.

“At this time, I will be calling for the Jacksonville Community TB Coalition to spend the appropriate time reviewing the NIOSH reports,” said JCTBC Chairman Ken Covington. “The coalition’s goal will be to develop a strategy to address recommendations in the report and support our client services partners.”

The NIOSH Evaluation of Environmental Controls reports are available at http://dchd.net/our-programs/infectious-a-communicable-disease/21.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

###