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Feb 18, 2021 by DianeN

OSHA ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE ON COVID IN WORKPLACE

On January 29 OSHA issued new guidance for employers and workers NOT in the healthcare industry or in emergency response.  They clearly say that it is advisory only.  HOWEVER, we strongly believe that with the new administration signing an Executive Order to insure the safety of workers during COVID, these recommendations will play an even more important role in the near future.  We suggest that all employers consider them more than advisory.  It will be good preparation for the future, at the very least.  And it should definitely be included in your COVID policy for your company.  If you need assistance with a company employee policy please contact the Chamber.  Here is a summary of the new guidance:

The new guidance  applies to industries outside of healthcare.  OSHA previously issued separate guidance applicable to healthcare and emergency response.  “The guidance does not create any new legal requirements or obligations, but is advisory only.  OSHA intends for the guidance to assist employers with planning.”

OSHA’s recommendations include:

  1. Assignment of a workplace coordinator responsible for COVID-19 issues.
  2. Identification of where and how workers might be exposed to COVID-19 at work.
  3. Identification of a combination of measures that will limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace based on a hierarchy of controls.
  4. Consideration of protections for workers at higher risk for severe illness.
  5. Establishment of a system for effective communications in a language that all workers understand.
  6. Education and training workers on company COVID-19 policies and practices.
  7. Instructing infected or potentially infected workers to stay home and isolate or quarantine to prevent or reduce the risk of future transmission.
  8. Minimizing the negative impact of quarantine and isolation on workers.
  9. Immediately isolating workers who display symptoms at work.
  10. Performing enhanced cleaning and disinfection after people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 have been in the facility.
  11. Providing guidance on screening and testing.
  12. Recording and reporting COVID-19 infections and deaths.
  13. Implementing protections from retaliation and setting up an anonymous process for workers to voice concerns about COVID-19 related hazards.
  14. Making a COVID-19 vaccination program or informational series at no cost to all eligible employees.
  15. Not distinguishing between workers who are vaccinated and those who are not.
  16. Consideration of other applicable OSHA Standards that apply to protecting workers from infection.

The new guidance contains additional detail in implementing OSHA’s recommendations.

By Salvatore G. Gangemi on February 16, 2021

Filed Under: Back To Work 2020, COVID-19 Tagged With: guidelines, OSHA, POLICY, WORKERS

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Windham Region Chamber of Commerce
1320 Main St., Suite 27
Willimantic CT 06226
Phone: (860) 428-7739

info@windhamchamber.com

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