Recently an executive order on Protecting Worker Safety was issued, which required OSHA to issue a revised guidance to employers on COVID-19 (OSHA’s previous guidance can be seen here). This newly updated guidance emphasizes the use of a COVID-19 prevention program as the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. It identifies key elements an employer’s program should contain, including:
- Assignment of a workplace coordinator who will be responsible for COVID-19 issues on the employer’s behalf.
- Identification of where and how workers might be exposed to COVID-19 at work.
- Identification of a combination of measures that will limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, in line with the principles of the hierarchy of controls.
- Consideration of protections for workers at higher risk for severe illness through supportive policies and practices.
- Establishment of a system for communicating effectively with workers and in a language they understand.
- Educate and train workers on your COVID-19 policies and procedures using accessible formats, and in a language they understand.
- Instruct workers who are infected or potentially infected to stay home and isolate or quarantine to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
- Minimize the negative impact of quarantine and isolation on workers.
- Isolating workers who show symptoms at work.
- Performing enhanced cleaning and disinfection after people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 have been in the facility.
- Providing guidance on screening and testing.
- Recording and reporting COVID-19 infections and deaths.
- Implementing protections from retaliation and setting up an anonymous process for workers to voice concerns about COVID-19-related hazards.
- Making a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccination series available at no cost to all eligible employees.
- Not distinguishing between workers who are vaccinated and those who are not.
- Application of other applicable OSHA Standards, such as PPE requirements, respiratory protection, sanitation, protection from blood-borne pathogens, requirements for employee access to medical and exposure records, and the General Duty Clause.
Mitigating Risk
During these unprecedented times, it’s imperative we do everything that we can to mitigate the risk of COVID-19—especially in the workplace! To help combat this virus and in accordance with the new guidance from OSHA, we proudly offer a wide variety of products that will help keep your workers and workplace safe! Those products include:
- PPE – respiratory equipment that keeps you protected on the job site
- Fit Test Kits – ensure the respirators your workers are wearing are properly protecting them
- Respirator Storage – keep your respiratory equipment clean from contaminants when not in use
- Respirator Cleaning and Disinfectant Solutions – guarantee your respirators are clean and disinfected
- PAPRs – newly introduced disposable hood PAPRs ideally suited for facility maintenance and the healthcare industry
- Face Coverings – tri-layered masks perfect for everyday use
Working together during this pandemic is the ONLY way we’re going to be able to get through it safely and successfully!
Contact our Customer Service department at custsvc@allegrosafety.com or 800.622.3530 for any product inquiries or answers to any product questions you might have!