A Guide to Valley Fever in the Workplace

What is Valley Fever?

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungi, which are found in soil in certain dry regions, such as southwestern US. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like effects, such as fever, cough, and fatigue, to more severe complications in rare cases where the infection spreads to other parts of the body. Typically, people working outdoors in endemic areas are at higher risk of contracting it, but anyone can get it anytime and anywhere.

Significance

Valley fever poses significant risks to organizations, especially those operating in areas where the disease is endemic. Employees working in industries that involve soil disturbance—such as construction, agriculture, and energy —face a higher likelihood of exposure to Coccidioides fungal spores. Beyond the direct health implications, including prolonged illness and the potential for disability, Valley fever can lead to absenteeism, increased healthcare costs, and potential liability for employers who fail to implement appropriate safety measures.

2024 has also seen notable rises in cases compared to the past years, showing that organizations should pay closer attention to these risks. In the US, Arizona alone has seen a 45% rise in cases in 2024 compared to the same time the previous year, with numbers continuing to rise due to environmental factors like increased dust storms and climate change. Another 2024 report also highlighted a sharp increase in cases linked to wetter winters and subsequent dry conditions that aid fungal spore dispersion. This underscores the urgent need for organizations to prioritize awareness, testing, and protective measures to mitigate these risks.

Legal Obligations and Employer Responsibilities

Employers have specific legal obligations to protect workers from Valley fever, particularly in industries and regions where the disease is prevalent. Specifically, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’)s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause serious harm, including Valley fever. OSHA also enforces detailed training requirements for high-risk counties, ensuring employees understand the disease’s symptoms, prevention methods, and the importance of early diagnosis.

Some states also have specific rules regarding Valley fever. California, for instance, mandates that employers in high-risk industries, such as construction and agriculture, implement measures like dust control, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and training programs to mitigate risks. OSHA also emphasizes incorporating Valley fever protections into Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPPs), including engineering controls like wetting soil and providing enclosed equipment cabs.

OSHA also requires employers to provide safe break areas and enforce PPE use, such as respirators, during dusty operations. Non-compliance can result in citations, especially if preventive measures like soil watering or worker training are inadequately implemented. Supervisors must also enforce these safety protocols actively, as ineffective enforcement can increase liability.

Preventive Measures for Valley Fever

Preventing Valley fever and mitigating the risks requires an approach from all angles. Organizations must consider employee training, their own environmental control practices, worksite hygiene, and more. Here’s a quick overview on a few preventative measures organizations can take to reduce its risk.

Training and Awareness

Safety training programs ensure that workers understand what Valley fever is, how it spreads, and how to recognize its symptoms early. Workers must be educated on personal risk factors, high-risk activities, and the importance of reporting potential exposure or symptoms to supervisors. Employers should integrate Valley fever awareness into broader health and safety training, particularly in endemic areas, to foster a proactive approach to prevention.

Dust Control Practices

Effective dust control practices, such as wetting soil before disturbance, can significantly reduce airborne Coccidioides spores. Employers should stabilize spoil piles with tarps, apply soil stabilizers, and schedule activities during periods of low wind to minimize dust generation. These practices should be incorporated into daily worksite operations, with supervisors monitoring conditions to ensure ongoing compliance.

PPE

The use of PPE, such as respirators with appropriate filters, can provide a critical layer of protection against spore inhalation. Employers must ensure workers are trained to properly wear and maintain PPE, and enforce its use during high-risk activities. Providing alternative protections, like enclosed vehicle cabs, complements PPE in reducing exposure.

Worksite Hygiene

Maintaining clean and dust-free break areas, eating spaces, and workstations prevents secondary exposure to contaminated surfaces. Employers should enforce policies to prevent workers from bringing dusty clothing or equipment into clean zones. Regular wet cleaning of equipment and work areas further minimizes the presence of airborne spores.

Health Monitoring

Health monitoring programs can help detect Valley fever cases early, improving outcomes and reducing the spread of illness among workers. Employers should encourage routine health check-ins and provide access to medical evaluations for symptomatic employees. Clear policies for reporting symptoms and seeking care without penalty ensure workers feel supported in addressing potential health concerns.