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OSHA Issues Guidelines for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published guidance on March 9 to help companies address potential health risks from the novel coronavirus in their workplaces.

“Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19,” developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), is intended to provide practical guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and contains information on safe work practices and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

This guidance is part of the DOL’s ongoing efforts to educate workers and employers about the COVID-19 outbreak. Other efforts include:

• An OSHA COVID-19 webpage that provides infection prevention information specifically for workers and employers. OHSHA is actively reviewing and responding to any complaints regarding workplace protection from novel coronavirus, as well as conducting outreach activities.
• The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division is providing information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, including effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• The DOL Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs has also published guidance for federal employees and outlines Federal Employees’ Compensation Act coverage as it relates to the novel coronavirus.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov.