Skip to content

OSHA Links, Guidelines And Resources Regarding COVID-19

While we are not downplaying the current Coronavirus contagion, we would like to direct our clients, friends, associates and colleagues to important non-media information, guidelines and resources provided by OSHA that can help prevent exposures to and infections with this evolving virus now officially labeled COVID-19.

It goes without saying that implementing a safe work environment for employees is a priority. But the following links can provide employers with reassurance and assistance in lowering the spread of the virus among workers.

HAZARD RECOGNITION
It is important to remember that most U.S. workers remain at low risk of exposure. In fact, while COVID-19 does have the potential of being a serious public health threat, this is dependent on exposure — meaning that most employees have a low risk of infection, depending of course on the type of work that is being conducted.

BACKGROUND
COVID-19 originated in Asia, and was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, likely the result of exposure in a large seafood and animal market. Some scientists suspect snakes may be the source of the outbreak, but not all cases of the virus are connected to the market and it is now being spread person to person.

MEDICAL INFORMATION
In order to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and elsewhere, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of the virus, beginning with the knowledge of exactly what coronaviruses are. Basically, coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses among people and animals. Fever, cough and shortness of breath are some of the symptoms.

STANDARDS
While there is no specific OSHA standard covering COVID-19, some OSHA requirements may help to prevent occupational exposure to COVID-19, such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators. Currently, there are 28 OSHA-approved state plans.

CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Measures for protecting workers from exposure to COVID-19 depend on the type of work being performed and exposure risk, such as interacting with infectious people and work environment contamination. The CDC has developed an interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan for and respond to COVID-19.

For more detailed information on how employers can provide their employees with a safe place to work, please review OSHA‘s General Duty Clause Section 5(a) (1).

Back To Top