Health & Safety News
Hantavirus information
The UW Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) is monitoring reports of a multi-country cluster of hantavirus disease linked to an international cruise ship. Hantaviruses can cause severe respiratory illness and are typically spread by contact with sick rodents, their excretions, saliva, or contaminated items. The virus identified in this outbreak is the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus that can be transmitted person-to-person under certain conditions. The Andes virus is more common in South America and has not been found in rodents in the United States.On May 12, 2026, Public Health – Seattle & King County reported that three King County residents were among those exposed to the Andes virus and are being monitored. The risk of hantavirus exposure from the cruise ship outbreak to the general UW community remains very low. The UW ACCD will share any updates that may impact the University of Washington.What’s newAs of May 12, there have been 11 cases of hantavirus (nine confirmed), including three deaths, linked to the cruise ship. International public health agencies are conducting contact tracing, monitoring, and isolation of cases. There are more than 60 individuals who were in close contact with a person exposed to hantavirus being monitored globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health authorities, including two locally in King County. An additional King County resident is being medically monitored in Nebraska. Currently, there are no known cases of the Andes virus in King County or in Washington state.About hantavirusHantaviruses are most commonly transmitted to people through exposure to infected rodents, especially through contact with urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated nesting materials. Local hantavirus risk in Washington is different from the current cruise ship outbreak. In Washington state, hantavirus is carried by deer mice; the type is called Sin Nombre virus, which does not spread person-to-person.Andes virus is unusual among hantaviruses because limited person-to-person transmission has been reported. The spread of Andes virus is usually limited to people who have close contact with a sick person. This includes direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to the sick person's body fluids. However, outbreak investigations in Argentina and Chile show that Andes virus transmission can occur during close and/or prolonged interpersonal contact.Rodent exposureHantavirus exposure risk is highest when people enter or clean enclosed areas where rodents are actively living, such as cabins, sheds, garages, barns, storage spaces, crawl spaces, vehicles, or other enclosed structures. Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings or nesting materials, as this can aerosolize contaminated dust. Wet down contaminated materials with an appropriate disinfectant before removal; use gloves and protective clothing.Consider pest control support for significant infestations.More informationU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Alert Network: 2026 multi-country hantavirus cluster linked to cruise shipWorld Health Organization Disease Outbreak News: Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, multi-country Statement from the International Hantavirus Society and members of the international hantavirus research and clinical community regarding the current Andes virus outbreak investigation, May 12, 2026, Version 4 Public Health – Seattle & King County Public Health Insider: What’s the risk of hantavirus in King CountyWashington State Department of Health Hantavirus information
Heat illness prevention for outdoor workers
As temperatures begin to rise, it's important to take measures to keep outdoor workers healthy and prevent heat-related illness.University units with personnel who work outdoors are required to implement safety measures to help prevent heat-related illness, including Providing initial and annual training; andImplementing a written Outdoor Heat Safety Plan.The Washington state heat rules require University units to do the following when the temperature is at or above 80 degrees:Encourage and allow workers to take paid preventive cool-down rest periods as needed;Provide enough shade or other way of cooling down—like an air-conditioned building or running vehicle—for all workers on a meal or rest break;Provide enough cool drinking water for each worker to drink one quart per hour; andClosely observe new personnel, personnel returning from absences, and all personnel during heat waves.Additional protections for outdoor workers are required when the temperature reaches 90 degrees.Heat-related illness can be serious, but is preventable. Visit the Outdoor Heat Exposure webpage for more information.Originally published on May 5, 2025
Ladder safety steps
Ladder-related falls are a common cause of workplace injuries. Make sure you take the necessary safety precautions before using a ladder, including choosing the right ladder for the job, inspecting the ladder before use, placing it on a firm foundation at the correct angle, and climbing with caution.Avoid ladder injuriesEach year in the U.S. more than 20,000 workplace injuries and over 160 workplace fatalities are related to ladder use. While a relatively small number are reported at the UW (17 incidents over the past few years), ladder safety remains an important topic to prevent falls and serious injuries.If a ladder must be used, avoid these common errors that can result in falls and serious injuries:Using the wrong ladder (size/type/weight limit)Bad support (soft ground, not secured)Lack of inspection (damaged ladder)Lack of 3-point contactLack of trainingMany incidents happen because of improper ladder selection, unsafe setup, or lack of training, making them largely preventable with the right safety practices. 1. Choose the right ladderThink about the task at hand; choose the right size and type. Consider:How high do you need to reach?How much weight will the ladder need to hold?Is it an indoor or outdoor job? Orchard ladders should only be used outdoors for gardening or landscaping activities.Use a fiberglass ladder if electrical contact may occur.Read the manufacturer’s label and note the maximum load, safety warnings, and usage instructions.In some cases, a ladder may not be the correct device for the work. A scissor lift, mobile elevated platform, or scaffolding may be more appropriate.2. Inspect the ladderInspect ladders before each use and annually.Thoroughly clean off any dirt, grease or other slippery substances. Allow to dry completely before use. Tag the ladder out and remove it from service if it is damaged or defective.3. Start with a firm foundationNo matter what kind of ladder you're using, place the base on a firm, solid surface and avoid unstable, slippery, wet, or soft surfaces. In about 40% of cases, the cause of the ladder-related injury is a ladder sliding out at the base due to placement at an incorrect angle.If you must put the ladder on a soft surface, place a board under the ladder's feet.Place a straight or extension ladder 1 foot away from the surface it's resting on for every 4 feet of the ladder's height.Make sure straight or extension ladders extend 3 feet above the roof or platform you're trying to reach.Securely fasten straight or extension ladders to an upper support.Make sure step ladders are opened completely and spreaders locked before climbing.Guard doorways near any ladder so no one can open it and knock you off.Never place a ladder on a box, barrel, or other object to gain height.4. Climb and do work with caution Don't become complacent; make sure every time you step on a ladder you are mindful of the task at hand.Never use a ladder if you feel dizzy or ill.Face the ladder and grip the rungs, not the side rails.Always keep three points of contact with the ladder (i.e., two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).Do not stand higher than the third step from the top.Don't lean or overreach; reposition the ladder instead.Don't climb while carrying tools; use a tool belt or pull up bucket on a rope from below.Wear slip-resistant shoes.Never have someone climb up to bring you something; only one person should be on a ladder at a time.More InformationUW Environmental Health & Safety: Ladder Safety Focus SheetUW Environmental Health & Safety: Ladder Safety Online TrainingWashington State Department of Labor & Industries: Ladder Safety GuideOSHA: Ladder Safety AppOriginally published on June 4, 2024
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