Category: COVID-19

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

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.

Healthcare PPE

Amid COVID-19, OSHA Issues Respirator Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued respiratory protection guidance for assisted living, nursing home, and other long-term care facilities. The guidance focuses on the use of respirators while emphasizing a primary reliance upon engineering and administrative controls for controlling exposures, consistent with good industrial hygiene practice and the agency’s traditional adherence to the […]

California and COVID-19

Cal/OSHA Issues Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Multiple Industries

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) updated five of its industry-specific coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection protection guidelines for agriculture, child care, construction, grocery stores, and logistics. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-C0V-2 virus.

Coronavirus

AIHA Releases Expanded and Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

AIHA (formerly known as the American Industrial Hygiene Association) has expanded its collection of guidelines for businesses reopening during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The group also continues to update existing industry-specific guidance.

COVID-19 testing

CDC Revises Definition of ‘Close Contact’ for COVID-19

On October 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated COVID-19 guidance, specifically the definition of “close contact.” The expanded definition states that the 15-minute exposure period should be measured based on a cumulative amount of time over 24 hours and not just a single 15-minute interaction.

Disinfectant cleaning

EPA Works Against COVID-19 Disinfectant Scams

Did you know that products to sanitize, disinfect, and sterilize surfaces are considered pesticides and are regulated by the EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)?

Michigan flag facemask, COVID-19

Michigan Latest State to Issue Emergency COVID-19 Regulations

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) issued emergency regulations for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposures in the workplace. The regulations include a requirement for remote work, when feasible. Michigan becomes the second state, following Virginia, to issue emergency COVID-19 regulations.

Infographic: Best Practices for Diffusing COVID-19 Confrontations

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for confrontations to occur between workers and customers or other employees over protective measures and policies related to COVID-19, including threatening or even assault. This infographic provides a few tips for diffusing these situations.