On June 18, 2020, OSHA issued guidance to assist re-opening businesses safely return to work. The guidance addresses steps for employers to take during the three-phased approach to re-opening identified in the CDC’s and White House’s “Opening Up America Again” plan. OSHA’s guidance also provides examples of how to implement basic workplace principles to combat the transmission of COVID-19, including hazard assessment, hygiene, social distancing, identification and isolation of sick employees, returning to work after an illness, engineering and administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), workplace flexibilities, and employee training. Frequently asked questions by employers are also addressed, including whether employers can conduct worksite COVID testing.
As the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States continues, federal, state, and local authorities are issuing new guidance and requirements at a dizzying pace. OSHA’s recent guidance on returning to work provides a helpful overview of relevant issues, but employers should carefully consider applicable federal and local guidelines before returning to work and should establish protocols to monitor and respond to potential COVID exposures. For additional information on preparing your workplace for COVID or responding to a suspected or confirmed case, please contact Robert Ayers or Trey Overdyke in Holland & Hart’s workplace safety team.
We encourage you to visit Holland & Hart’s Coronavirus Resource Site, a consolidated informational resource offering practical guidelines and proactive solutions to help companies protect their business interests and their workforce. The dynamic Resource Site is regularly refreshed with new topics and updates as the COVID-19 outbreak and the legal and regulatory responses continue to evolve. Sign up to receive updates and for upcoming webinars.
This publication is designed to provide general information on pertinent legal topics. The statements made are provided for educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal or financial advice nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Holland & Hart LLP or any of its attorneys other than the author(s). This publication is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between you and Holland & Hart LLP. Substantive changes in the law subsequent to the date of this publication might affect the analysis or commentary. Similarly, the analysis may differ depending on the jurisdiction or circumstances. If you have specific questions as to the application of the law to your activities, you should seek the advice of your legal counsel.