28 Apr

Posted at 17:00h in COVID-19, HR and Operations, Human Resources White Papers, Risk Management by . .

While work restrictions may be lifting, the hazards related to the COVID-19 virus remain a significant health risk.   As businesses start to resume operations, we encourage you to consider these best practices to protect employees and visitors to your workplace.       Download the “Employer Return to Work Guide – COVID-19” – doc […]

17 Apr

Posted at 21:22h in COVID-19, Risk Management, Risk Management White Papers by . .

Due to complaints related to a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), insufficient training on appropriate standards and possible coronavirus illness (COVID-19) transmissions in the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued temporary guidance for its area offices to use in their efforts to enforce the agency's workplace safety and health mandates. These mandates require employers to take prompt actions to mitigate hazards and protect employees during the COVID-19 pandemic

The new guidance, issued on April 13, 2020, directs OSHA compliance officers to process most complaints from non-healthcare and non-emergency response establishments as “non-formal” and to conduct investigations via phone or fax whenever possible. However, employers should know that after receiving a serious incident report, OSHA area directors will determine whether to conduct an inspection or a rapid response investigation (RRI). RRIs are intended to identify any hazards, provide abatement assistance and confirm abatement, and OSHA generally encourages area directors to recommend them. This Compliance Bulletin provides a summary of the enforcement guidance provisions that relate specifically to COVID-19 issues.

13 Apr

Posted at 21:06h in COVID-19, Risk Management, Safety by . .

Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus (officially called COVID-19) is believed to spread from person-to-person, primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is also believed to spread by people touching a surface or object and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or possibly the eyes.