During the onset of the coronavirus, many businesses have had to close their doors and adjust the way they operate in order to comply with state/federal regulations and ensure a safe and healthful working environment. Rightfully so, with many businesses reopening their doors, OSHA has released revised enforcement policies for enforcing OSHA requirements with respect to the coronavirus. Here are the two updates you need to know:
- OSHA will be increasing in-person inspections at all types of workplaces; and
- OSHA is revising its previous enforcement policy for recording cases of coronavirus. The new guidance affirms that employers must record cases of the coronavirus if the case:
- Is confirmed as a coronavirus illness;
- Is work-related as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5; and
- Involves one or more of the general recording criteria in 29 CFR 1904.7, such as medical treatment beyond first aid or days away from work.
As you operate , there are steps you can take to increase the safety and health of your post COVID-19 workplace including, but not limited to:
- Implementing employee health screenings;
- Ensuring sufficient PPE reserves;
- Implementing a framework for proper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces;
- Having a written plan in place;
- Procedures for properly handling a positive case in the workplace; and
- Providing access to hand-washing facilities and implementing social distancing measures.
