County Safety Committee addresses Hep B

The Jones County Safety Committee, led by Jones County Park Ranger John Klein, is looking to address bloodborne pathogens, particularly Hepatitis B, when it comes to county employee exposure.

The debate during the March 3 Jones County Supervisor meeting was whether to require or offer the vaccine to all county employees or just those at a high risk to exposure.

The committee, including County Attorney Kristofer Lyons, put together an exposure control plan and procedures. The plan addresses federal and OSHA mandates.

“There will be the option to accept or decline the vaccine,” noted Klein. “Forms will be kept on file in the Auditor’s Office.”

Klein explained the idea to not only to protect county employees working in high-risk skillsets (occupational exposure), but to protect the county and the taxpayers from liability should an incident occur.

“We don’t want to force employees if they object to it,” noted Lyons. “Or if they present proof of already having it (the vaccine).”

Klein recommended adding Solid Waste (landfill) and seasonal and part-time employees to the list of high-risk personnel, namely those working for Conservation, Sheriff’s Department and Secondary Roads.

There was discussion as to whether all county employees or just those who are at high risk should get the Hepatitis B vaccine. County Auditor Janine Sulzner said the law states that the county does not have to offer it to all employees.

“We don’t want employees we don’t cover saying we didn’t offer it,” said Klein.

“The best precaution is to get the vaccine,” added Lyons.

Supervisor Ned Rohwedder inquired as to whether someone can get the vaccine after they’ve contracted Hepatitis B. Klein said no.

“Fortunately we haven’t had any incidents,” noted Rohwedder. “We’re being proactive.”

Overall, the bloodborne pathogen policy is a county policy, approved by the Board of Supervisors.

“We’re just here to give you recommendations,” noted Klein.

Sulzner suggested that all new employees be asked to sign the vaccine waiver, making it part of the hiring check list.

“We could put it on department heads,” added Klein of making sure the forms get distributed. “The Board of Supervisors can set a date for the forms to be returned.”

The Safety Committee will make some changes to its procedure policy and bring it back to the board for approval.