Michael G. Murphy P.E. authored this update to a Jan. 31, 2020 Alert, which provided general information on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and steps for employers to consider as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was just starting to appear in the United States, and before work shut down and shelter orders were in place. This Update provides additional information to be considered by employers of essential workers who are required to work. It will address the Federal OSHA standards that apply to workplace safety and recording requirements and the Cal-OSHA standard for Aerosol Transmissible Diseases, which is applicable to COVID-19.
Federal OSHA has three primary requirements that come into play for employers addressing the spread of the COVID-19 virus: (1) the general duty clause; (2) personal protective equipment; and (3) recording and reporting requirements.