Ensuring the health and safety of healthcare workers is the primary function of the occupational health professional (OHP) in healthcare. The position statement identifies respiratory protection as a critical area of competence for the OHP. Respiratory protection programs led by competent staff, including OHPs, are for healthcare workers who treat patients in isolation with airborne precautions. In addition, emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola have demonstrated the importance of healthcare workers being skilled in the use of PPE including respiratory protection.