5 things to know about OSHA’s COVID-19 temporary rule
Oregon OSHA has adopted a temporary rule to address the COVID-19 pandemic in all Oregon workplaces. The rule will go into effect November 16, and will remain in effect until May 4, 2021.
Here are five points to get you started when preparing to implement the rule in your business.
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Physical distancing
Employers must ensure that all individuals, including customers, vendors, and patrons, within the workplace be six feet apart unless it can be shown it is not feasible for some activities.
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Masks/face coverings
Employers must assure that all individuals ages 5 and older use face coverings, in accordance with requirements from the Oregon Health Authority. Employers also must supply face coverings at no cost to employees. Employees may choose to use their own masks. Face shields may be used but should be limited to those who cannot wear a mask, as masks are more effective.
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Cleaning
Employers must provide employees with supplies and time for more frequent cleaning and to perform hand hygiene before using shared equipment, eating, or touching the face or eyes. Common areas, shared equipment, and high-touch surfaces must be cleaned frequently, depending on how long workplaces are occupied. Check the OSHA rule for more details.
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Posting requirements
OSHA has created a COVID-19 Hazards Poster in English and Spanish. It must be posted in a central location where workers will see it. If employees are working remotely, the employee must be provided with the information electronically. Signs must be posted in places where face coverings are required.
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Exposure risk assessment
With feedback and participation from employees, employers must assess potential exposure to COVID-19 within the workplace. Employers with 10 or more employees or those at workplaces with exceptional risk must document the assessment in writing. See pages 9-11 of the OSHA rule for what must be specifically recorded, and the questions that must be addressed. Oregon OSHA has created a fillable exposure risk assessment form. SAIF is developing a combination exposure risk assessment/infection control plan as an option for employers to use.
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Some requirements have deadlines as early as November 23, so be sure to carefully read the full details of the rule here.
The rule also has industry-specific and activity-specific requirements, and provisions for workplaces of exceptional risk, including enhanced training, additional infection control plan requirements, and specific ventilation requirements. These requirements supersede guidance in the rule and when areas are not addressed, the general rule applies.
A permanent rule addressing infectious diseases in the workplace is also in the works and could be implemented in 2021.
Register today for a free webinar at 1:30 p.m., November 19. Liz Hill, Total Worker Health Adviser, and Kim Henry, Industrial Hygienist, will be on hand from SAIF to go over the details of the rule and answer any questions you may have.
You can also contact our safety management team at 877.242.5211 if you need help understanding and implementing the rule in your workplace.
Learn more about the rule and about preventing the spread of COVID-19 at saif.com/coronavirussafety.
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