The evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic is constantly evolving. The information in this document is based on what known at this time. As things change, we will continue to update you as it affects employee benefits compliance rules.
For many companies, especially those in which the majority of workers are in an office setting the Occupational Health and Safety Act is often an afterthought. After all, in terms of safety, it may have been years since the report of an incident beyond a paper cut. However, with the pandemic impacting all of us, one of the most dangerous workplace threats in our lifetime has entered the building. In response to the threat, OSHA has issued a detailed memorandum on May 26, 2020, effective immediately. It is our responsibility as leaders and HR professionals to understand and implement the regulated response steps following specific instances in the workplace, including:
- Confirmed cases of COVID-19
- Work-related cases and exposures
- General recording criteria and documentation of events.
We are issuing this alert to provide an overview and step-by-step process as outlined by the published OSHA memorandum and guidelines.
OSHA COVID-19 FAQs: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/covid-19-faq.html
