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OSHA: New return-to-work guidelines

prioritizing health and safety as offices reopen
Lynn Cavanaugh
by Lynn Cavanaugh
July 20, 2020
2 minute read
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While most employers are in various stages of return-to-work plans, OSHA has just issued a 24-page guide for employers that includes recommendations on workplace accommodations, as well as social distancing and face masks.

3-phase approach

OSHA’s Guidance on Returning to Work recommends a three-phase approach:

• Phase 1: Make remote work available if possible. To maintain social distancing, limit the number of people in the workplace. Accommodate higher-risk workers (those over 60, with serious underlying health conditions or who have household members at a higher risk). Limit nonessential business travel.

• Phase 2: Continue to make remote work available. Resume nonessential business travel. Ease restrictions on the number of people in the workplace, but continue social distancing. Keep accommodating high-risk workers.

• Phase 3: Resume unrestricted staffing at the workplace.

Worplace Virtual Summit

OSHA’s goal is to prevent a resurgence of coronavirus cases. This could lead to more administrative headaches for employers: increases in the number of sick employees, enhanced cleaning and disinfection or even a temporary closure of the workplace.

OSHA’s guiding principles

OSHA’s recommendations include the following guiding principles:

• Hazard assessment: Consider how workers might be exposed to the coronavirus while performing their job duties (from other workers, customers, visitors, etc.).

• Hygiene: Encourage hand washing, provide hand sanitizer and identify high-traffic areas for enhanced cleaning and disinfecting.

• Social distancing: Limit occupancy. Post signs reminding workers to keep 6 feet away from others.

• Identification/isolation of sick employees: Establish a protocol for managing people who become ill in the workplace.

• Return to work after exposure: Follow CDC guidelines to allow for 14 days of self-quarantine.

• Protective controls: Use physical barriers, stagger work shifts, replace in-person meetings with videoconferencing and ensure workers wear masks.

• Flexible workplace: Consider new policies on remote work and sick leave. 

• Anti-retaliation: Ensure workers are aware no adverse actions will be taken against them for raising workplace safety concerns, including those about the coronavirus. 

Lynn Cavanaugh
Lynn Cavanaugh
Lynn, a member of the HRMorning staff, is an award-winning editor who writes about HR, benefits and compensation topics. Previously, she was editor-in-chief of Woman’s Own and American Woman magazines.

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