Category: COVID-19

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

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.

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

OSHA Issues Temporary Guidance on PAPR Enforcement

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued temporary guidance on enforcement of initial and annual fit-testing requirements in the Respiratory Protection standard for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs). Enforcement discretion is limited to healthcare personnel or other workers engaged in high- or very high-exposure-risk activities.

California and Nevada, COVID-19

More COVID-19 Safety Violations Cited in California, Nevada

States with their own workplace safety and health programs continue strong enforcement of both occupational safety and health regulations and their governors’ orders allowing the reopening of businesses. California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited five grocery stores, including two that failed to report employee deaths. The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration […]

COVID-19 safety inspection

COVID-19 Enforcement: A Guide for EHS Professionals

Will workplace safety and health inspectors show up at your facility if workers contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and one of them files a complaint? Yes; in fact, it’s already happened.