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FEDERAL AGENCIES CONTINUE TO PUBLISH NEW GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS ON COVID By Christopher T. Vrountas, Esq. and Allison C. Ayer, Esquire, Vrountas, Ayer & Chandler, P.C. We might be reopening, albeit slowly. But COVID-19 is here to stay, at least for some time. To face this continuing challenge, federal agencies continue to update their legal guidance about the COVID-related obligations employers have to their employees. It can be challenging for businesses to stay current with all of these changes, particularly when it is already difficult enough just to re-start operations and run a business profitably. To make that process easier, here is a summary of some of the important developments coming from the federal government.
OSHA FAQ'S ON COVID In early July, the DOL published new COVID-19 specific FAQ’s intended to guide employers about the steps they can take during the pandemic
to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OSHA”). The FAQ’s address a variety of important topics, including cleaning and disinfecting protocols, training, and handwashing facilities. The FAQ’s also address dealing with a COVID positive test and the controversial topics of cloth face coverings.
TESTING On the issue of testing, OSHA does not require employers to notify other employees if one of their coworkers gets COVID-19, but such notification may nevertheless be an advisable step to protect other workers from exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. The DOL recommends that workers tell their supervisors if they have tested positive for COVID-19 sothat employer can take steps to protect other workers. Citing to the CDC Guidance for Business and
"It can be challenging for businesses to stay current with all of these changes, particularly when it is already difficult enough just to re-start operations and run a business profitably." employers, the DOL suggests that after a confirmed positive case, employers determine which employees may have been exposed to the virus and inform employees of their possible exposure to COVID19 in the workplace. The DOL also notes in its FAQs that in
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