Category: COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak is at top of mind for environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals nationwide.

Truck driving

Hours-of-Service Relief Extended by FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended and expanded its hours-of-service regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers transporting emergency goods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 coronavirus

COVID-19: CDC Updates Employer Resources; Cal/OSHA Rules Take Effect; Former OSHA Head Joins Biden Advisory Board

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provided updated resources on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for employers. These include a fact sheet on case investigation and contact tracing, critical infrastructure sector response planning, and information for school administrators and school nurses.

COVID-19 coronavirus

When Is COVID-19 Recordable, and How Do You Comply with Hands-On Training Requirements During the Pandemic?

Our experts at Safety.BLR.com® have been busy answering subscribers’ questions related to EHS management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on for their answers regarding recordable cases of COVID-19, plus information on how the pandemic has affected hands-on safety training, specifically as it relates to compliance requirements for fire extinguisher training.

California and COVID-19

California Health and Safety Board Approves COVID-19 Rule

California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board unanimously approved five emergency temporary standards for workplace coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposures: COVID-19 prevention, multiple COVID-19 infections and COVID-19 outbreaks, major COVID-19 outbreaks, COVID-19 prevention in employer-provided housing, and COVID-19 prevention in employer-provided transportation to and from work.

COVID-19 safety inspection

OSHA Says Face Coverings Not Considered PPE Under Its Standard

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not consider cloth face coverings personal protective equipment (PPE), the agency said on November 18 in an update to its frequently asked questions (FAQs) about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Oregon state flag facemask

Oregon Releases Assistance Documents for COVID-19 Rule

Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) released several documents to assist employers that must comply with the state’s emergency temporary standard (ETS) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposures. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Coronavirus

NSC Urges Inclusion of Safety Pro on Biden’s COVID-19 Team

The National Safety Council (NSC) called for the inclusion of a safety professional on the transition task force advising President-Elect Joe Biden on issues surrounding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SAR-CoV-2 virus.

California and COVID-19

California to Consider Emergency COVID-19 Rule as Cases Rise

On November 19, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board will consider an emergency standard for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention, which would require employers to provide face coverings and COVID-19 testing at no cost to their employees. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Michigan flag facemask, COVID-19

Michigan Releases Interim Enforcement Plan for COVID-19 Policies

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) released an interim enforcement plan, incorporating the state’s emergency coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rules put into place last month. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Oregon state flag facemask

Oregon Prepares to Establish Emergency COVID-19 Rule

This week, Oregon may become the third state to establish an emergency workplace health standard for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposures. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.