Protecting Health Through Science and Standards: A Statement Supporting CSA Z94.4

Healthcare staff deserve the same on-the-job protections as other workers. An updated Canadian standard finally should change some long-standing differences. Proposed updates to the Canadian Standards Association Z94.4 respiratory protection standard are a critical step toward protecting healthcare staff from airborne hazards, including viruses. The revisions clearly say the standard applies to healthcare (where it has been ignored historically). They require specific assessments for airborne pathogens (to determine minimum respiratory protection), and recognize the ethical obligation to apply the precautionary principle in decisions. Adoption, expected in 2026, will set a professional standard of care and avoid the mistakes of SARS-1 and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The updates got overwhelming and international support, including a statement from the Canadian Aerosol Transmission Coalition, signed by 1700-plus individuals, professional and grassroots organizations, and unions, including the Canadian Labour Congress, most Canadian and Quebec healthcare unions, and the US National Nurses United.