Monday, December 14, 2020
COVID-19 Prevention Program
The new emergency COVID-19 standards require that employers create a written COVID-19 prevention program. The program may be included in the employer’s Injury and Illness Program required under Cal-OSHA, or may be a separate document.
This prevention program must outline procedures for communication of the employer’s COVID-19 policies and procedures, and information regarding potential COVID-19-related events at the employer’s workplace. Employers must include procedures for: reporting possible COVID-19 symptoms, exposures, and hazards in the workplace; accommodating employees who are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness; access to COVID-19 testing, and if testing is required under the program, the reason for the COVID-19 testing and the possible consequences of a positive test; and communication of the employer’s COVID-19 policies and procedures and COVID-19 hazards to employees and other persons and entities (such as independent contractors) working within, or in contact with, the employer’s workplace.