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Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is impacting every industry and business across the world. As a result, many workplaces are being forced to change policies and searching for the best methods to keep their business running smoothly during COVID-19 outbreaks. National Safety Compliance has formatted the Occupational Safety and Health Associations recommendations into a handy booklet titled OSHA: Preparing Workplaces For COVID-19 for easy use by business owners and trainers.

Some businesses are affected by the interruption of supplies and deliveries from other geographic areas, while others are experiencing absenteeism as many workers are home sick, caring for loved ones, or unable to work due to being at-risk or fearful of potential exposure. Most are seeing a change in patterns of commerce as consumer interest increases in items used for infection prevention and shopping habits change to reduce person-to-person contact. 

While it is not possible to entirely stop these consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers can reduce the effect it has on their business, workers, customers, and the public by planning and preparing for traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices. They can do so by implementing engineering, administration, personal protective equipment (PPE), and work practice controls. Giving employees COVID-19 safety training and implementing COVID safe work practices can significantly reduce the impact and spread of COVID in your workplace.

These methods may change as new information becomes available. COVID-19 outbreak conditions change and evolve, making it vital that employers keep up with new information on the transmission and impacts of the virus. They should consistently be mindful of potential risks in the workplace and any new control measures to enforce.

Employers should continually remind themselves and others to stay home from work if symptoms of COVID-19 appear. These symptoms include cough, fever, and shortness of breath and they will appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Employers cannot rely on symptoms alone, as many people are asymptomatic, meaning they experience no symptoms at all.

People are most contagious when their symptoms are at their worst, but it is possible for the virus to spread before any symptoms show. It is thought to spread mainly from people in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets that are inhaled or land in another’s mouth or nose. 

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

How Employers Can Reduce Workers’ Risk of Exposure

To reduce the risk of exposure, follow these basic steps:

  • Develop an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan:

Develop a guide on protective actions against COVID-19 that incorporates recommendations from state and local health agencies. This should address the need for social distancing, exposure-reducing measures, and controls necessary to address those risks.

  • Prepare to Implement Basic Infection Prevention Measures:

This should place an emphasis on employers enforcing basic infection prevention and implementing good hygiene and infection control practices. This includes encouraging workers to stay home when sick, practicing frequent disinfection, respiratory etiquette, and not using others’ workspaces.

  • Develop Policies and Procedures for Prompt Identification and Isolation of Sick:

Employers should inform on symptoms and develop policies for employees to self-monitor for symptoms. Any confirmed cases of the virus should be isolated from the worksite and their workspace should be marked off with a temporary barrier.

  • Develop, Implement, and Communicate about Workplace Flexibilities and Protections:

Encourage employees to stay home when sick by allowing leave policies to be flexible, developing non-punitive leave policies, and not requiring a note from a healthcare provider. This also includes being understanding about workers taking care of sick family members, being aware of their health and safety concerns, and working with insurance companies on providing information about medical care in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

  • Implement Workplace Controls:

To eliminate the hazards a combination of control measures including engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices is necessary to effectively protect workers from exposure.

Different Forms of Control:

  • Engineering Controls: Isolate employees from work-related hazards where appropriate to avoid relying on worker behavior. These can include high-efficiency air filters, ventilation rates, and physical barriers.
  • Administrative Controls: This includes any changes in workplace policy and procedures that reduce exposure to a hazard like minimizing contact, establishing alternating shifts, and providing workers with up-to-date training and education on COVID-19.
  • Safe Work Practices: Administrative control that include procedures for safe and proper work to reduce the duration and frequency of exposure to a hazard by providing resources on personal hygiene, requiring regular handwashing, and supplying disinfectants. This can also be done with Coronavirus awareness training and awareness classes to further educate your employees on COVID-19 safety.
  • Personal Protective Equipment: PPE like gloves, goggles, face shields, and masks should be used in addition to, rather than in place of, the above workplace controls to prevent certain exposures. Make sure to provide PPE Safety Training if needed.

Classifications of Exposure

Worker risk of occupational exposure to COVID-19 is classified into very high, high, medium, or lower (caution) risk. The risk level is determined by the industries’ need for workers to be within 6 feet of someone suspected of being infected.

This helps employers determine the appropriate precautions for their workplace depending on which category they fall into.

  • Very High Exposure Risk:

These employees have the highest potential for exposure to known or suspected sources of COVID-19. This can include healthcare workers performing procedures on COVID-19 patients, laboratory personnel collecting specimens from patients, or morgue workers performing autopsies on the bodies of those known to have COVID-19 at the time of their death. Employers for very high exposure risk jobs should require all forms of engineering controls, administrative controls, and all safe work practices available, as well as all PPE including respirators.

  • High Exposure Risk:

These employees are at a high risk of exposure because they are in direct contact with suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. This includes those working with COVID-19 patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and emergency response facilities. Employers of high exposure risk workers should follow the same guidelines as those given to very high exposure risk, though this is only a recommendation instead of a requirement.

  • Medium Exposure Risk:

These are people in a workforce who are required to be in close contact with other people who may be exposed including their co-workers. This includes places with ongoing community transmission, travel, and contact with the public in settings like schools, food processing, and high-volume retail centers. Employers for medium risk exposure workers should install physical barriers like sneeze guards, offer face masks to employees and customers, keep informed on symptoms of COVID-19 and not allow anyone experiencing those symptoms in the workplace, limit public access to only certain places, minimize face-to-face contact and select a combination of PPE to protect workers specific to their workplace.

  • Low Risk (Caution):

The majority of American’s make up this category with jobs that don’t require any contact with the public or any suspected of being infected, in addition, this means minimal contact with coworkers and the public. Employers for workers within this category should follow safety protocols and basic steps to reduce the risk of exposure and they are not recommended to require any additional engineering control or PPE other than what is required by the CDC and state and local laws.

Employees Living or Travelling Abroad

Businesses with employees traveling internationally or living abroad take on a different set of risks not associated with any one level. To combat these risks, employers should communicate to workers abroad that travel into or out of a country may not be possible or medically advisable due to COVID-19 outbreak conditions.

Employees abroad also need to be aware that the U.S. Department of State (DOS) cannot provide Americans traveling or living abroad with medications or supplies. It is likely that governments will respond to an outbreak by imposing public health measures that restrict domestic and international movement, meaning that the U.S. government’s ability to assist Americans in these countries would be even more limited.

For more information to further educate yourself on international travel during an outbreak, consult the section of OSHA’s website on “Business Travelers”, consult CDC travel warnings, and DOS travel advisories.

Assistance and Services

Staying informed on the latest developments and recommendations is critical for employees because specific guidance may change based on new information that arises. Follow federal, state, and local government agencies for communication on guidelines that apply to you in your area.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers have the responsibility to provide safe work environments for their employees. OSHA helps ensure that health and safety standards are enforced for all of America’s working men and women by setting proper guidelines and providing training, education, and assistance.

Additional OSHA Services:

  • Compliance Assistance Specialists: They work to provide information to employers on OSHA standards with educational programs and information on compliance assistance resources.
  • No-Cost On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Services for Small Business: Offer confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses with priority to high-hazard worksites.
  • Cooperative Programs: Allows businesses and labor groups to work cooperatively with OSHA.
  • Strategic Partnerships and Alliances: Provides a chance for OSHA to partner with employers, associations, labor organizations, and others to develop tools and resources to share with workers to educate on their rights and responsibilities.
  • Voluntary Protection Programs: The VPP recognizes those who have effectively implemented safety and health programs in the private sector and federal agencies.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Training: Delivers courses on OSHA standards and health and safety topics to students.
  • OSHA Educational Materials: OSHA has many materials to assist workers in finding and preventing any hazards including QuickTakes, newsletters, and publications.

To help further educate your employees, National Safety Compliance offers health and safety posters on 5 steps to stop COVID-19 spread, hand washing, respirator safe use, protecting yourself and others, answering novel coronavirus questions, and determining the difference between social distancing, quarantine, and isolation.

Order our booklet Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 for a complete outline of everything you need to know about keeping your employees and workplace safe, efficient, and compliant according to current OSHA guidelines. These low-cost booklets will receive an automatic bulk discount in your cart when you buy 10 or more.

As mentioned earlier, we also have an Infectious Disease Training Program to help employers train for COVID-19 and future pandemics, which was newly created for Summer 2020. This program is available on DVD, USB, or via Instant Digital Access. It includes a trainer’s guide, compliance manual, PowerPoint presentation, employees quizzes, answer keys, supplemental documents, completion certificates, and wallet cards. These documents are all in digital form, so employers can print them for as many employees as they need at no additional costs.

National Safety Compliance is dedicated to helping employers identify and amend any job hazards to improve their safety and health programs. Our safety training programs are designed to help employers comply with their responsibilities under OSHA regulations and substantially reduce the number and severity of workplace illnesses. If you have any questions, please call us a 877-992-7233, reach us by e-mail at sales@nscemail.com, or comment below.

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Training Employees on Safe Disinfecting Procedures for 2020

With COVID-19 still on the forefront, many businesses continue to search for the best methods of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting in order to keep their doors open to customers and employees. As more chemical cleaning products are used, it continues to be important to train employees on chemical safety and potential hazards involved with their use.

Disinfectant use is soaring across the country, but many businesses have not provided training for employees to safely use these chemicals. Disinfectants can react with incompatible chemicals and even possibly cause health problems for employees.  It is important to properly train employees to avoid creating additional safety risks. Proper training should meet or exceed current OSHA guidelines for using cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants.

Identifying health hazards and implementing training and resources for employees is a big responsibility. As you train current employees or new hires, it is easier to stay compliant by not placing all the burden on one individual. The use of HAZCOM safety training kits, safety data sheets informational posters, and signage can ease the process while training multiple employees with just one kit.

Training kits come in a variety of formats including instant digital download in English or Spanish and via online training module, also in English or Spanish. This is helpful due to ever-changing regulations surrounding maintaining a safe work environment during this time.

Once your employees have the proper training, it is important to keep the information readily available. Your workplace will also need Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for easy access to the information. These should be stored in an SDS binder in a Right-to-Know center.  Right-to-Know centers are used to store all your chemical sheets in one location with easy access to all employees.

Proper Methods for Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting

While cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting sound like they are all synonyms for one another, they are different terms that serve different purposes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines these things as the following: Cleaning simply removes dirt, in general these products are less hazardous. Sanitizers work to remove specific microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Disinfectants then destroy or inactivate microorganisms that cause these infections.

It is important to keep these purposes in mind to properly complete each of these tasks. For example, just cleaning in a hospital wouldn’t do much good to eliminate the spread of diseases which makes disinfectants critical for the control of infectious diseases in hospitals and healthcare settings.

Different environments require different methods for cleaning and disinfecting depending on public health codes. Some codes may require the use of all these methods. For instance, some restaurants will require toilets and food preparation areas be cleaned and sanitized.

While cleaning doesn’t disinfect, this is a step that cannot be skipped. Cleaning should still be utilized by all businesses, especially frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and tables. To practice proper cleaning, simply clean all surfaces with soap and water. This reduces the number of germs, dirt and contaminations on the surface. This should be done before disinfecting to make it more effective.

While cleaning does eliminate some of the germs and infections, it does not remove enough to be solely used. It must be accompanied by proper disinfection. Disinfectants can be more dangerous, especially if you fail to follow the directions on the label of the particular cleaning supplies you are using. You should also be mindful of protecting your skin and eyes from any potential splashes, ensure adequate ventilation in the area you are using it, and label the products.

Using Different Methods for Different Materials and Areas

Just like the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, there are also big differences in the methods for different materials. This is especially important in businesses like hotels, nursing homes, restaurants, banks and a variety of other institutions where there is heavy foot traffic and a variety of things to clean. Everything from the sheets on beds to cloth napkins on the tables to flooring and devices. Each of these items needs to be cleaned and disinfected according to their specific directions in order for it to be sanitized effectively. This includes;

  • Laundry: Do not shake out any infected linens, towels or sheets. Simply place them in washing machine on the warmest setting. Then disinfect any hampers or baskets they may have come in contact with.
  • Soft surfaces: Rugs, carpets, drapes and other fabric materials can be cleaned with soap and water or laundered according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then be disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
  • Electronic devices: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to clean and disinfect any tablet, touch screen, keyboard or any other electronic device. Or simply use 70% alcohol-based wipes or spray.

Before cleaning any of these potentially infected items, be sure to put on the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This should include a mask and gloves so that you remain safe from infection and chemical hazards.

Safety Precautions to Take While Cleaning

While cleaning seems like a harmless task, there are many potential health problems that can be caused by cleaning chemicals when they are not properly used. This can include irritation of the skin and eyes, trouble breathing that can trigger asthma attacks and in extreme cases, even severe lung damage and death.

To avoid this, employees should be mindful of the ingredients of the cleaning products, how to properly store the product, ventilating the area the product is being used to clean, and avoiding any splashes or mists so not to come into contact with skin.

One of the best ways to initiate safer cleaning is by choosing safer cleaning chemicals and training on how to use them safely. Hazcom Safety Data Sheets are an important tool for learning which chemicals are the safest. These inform employees on the chemical ingredients, potential health problems, and recommended procedures for spills or exposure.

Right-to-Know centers help facilities comply with federal, state and municipal regulations by addressing the education and training requirements on chemical hazards. The centers allow employers to provide easy access to important SDS chemical sheets to help meet OSHA’s Right-to-Know standards.

Employers must also provide worker training on the health and safety hazards that come with using chemical products. This training should be completed by each employee before they ever interact with any chemicals in order to ensure that they understand all of the standards on the proper handling, use, storage, and proper procedures for using chemicals and the required PPE.

All employees should also have a clear understanding they are expected to use cleaning chemicals only for their intended use, never mix them together and always wash their hands while working with the products.

In addition to the basics of the use of PPE, your employees need to be trained on how to properly put their PPE on and take it off. Safe removal and cleaning of the PPE can be the difference between remaining healthy and catching an infectious disease.

Detailed training is necessary for employers to maintain a healthy work environment. If employees miss one lesson in their training, it can put the health of all your employees and customers at risk. To minimize this risk, National Safety Compliance offers a variety of training kits to simplify the process for you. 

Employers are required to provide training to their employees at a level and in a language they understand. For this reason, National Safety Compliance offers products that are bilingual and written concisely so all of your employees will be able to easily comprehend and understand the training. To best serve you and your business, all of National Safety Compliance’s Hazard Communication Training Kits are available on DVD, USB, via Instant Digital Access, or Online Training Module. COVID-19 Safety Training Posters, Safety Data Sheet Binders and Right-to-Know centers can also be found here in the OSHA Safety Training store.

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Infectious Disease Control Training for the Workplace

The impact of COVID-19 has left no aspect of daily life untouched. Everything from going to the airport or showing up to work every day has been completely altered as COVID-19 shows its effects on all financial markets and industries. This pandemic has revealed the need for specialized training, so National Safety Compliance has developed a complete infectious disease control training program to help protect your business, employees, and clients from further danger or disruption.

Businesses have been constantly working towards reducing the impact of COVID-19 by planning and preparing as far in advance as possible for the safety of employers, workers and customers.

Many are concerned about the potential risk for exposure, how to control sources of exposure and slow down the transmission of the disease. If employers move forward without proper planning and training employees, these concerns may become a reality.

Lack of continually planning and preparing will result in the consistent failure of employers’ attempts to address the challenges of the pandemic. In order to succeed in your efforts to keep your employees safe, you must have both sufficient resources and adequate training for your employees to perform their jobs under pandemic conditions.

Proper pandemic planning should be based on infection prevention, industrial hygiene practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Moving forward, employers and employees should be mindful of this training guidance to identify any risks in workplace settings, determine the appropriate measures to implement and take the necessary steps to ensure a safe workplace for all.

Having an In-Depth Understanding of COVID-19

In order to understand how to prevent the spread of the disease, you have to first have a better understanding of the disease itself. There is a constant flow of new information as researchers discover more about the disease.

Here is what we currently know about the disease. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person when they are in close contact with one another or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

While infected surfaces and objects are not the primary way of acquiring the disease, it is possible to procure the virus by touching an infected surface or object and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Cleaning desk to prevent infectious disease.

It is believed that those who are infected are most contagious when they are most symptomatic. Meaning, the more symptoms you show, the more contagious you are. But people can also carry and spread the disease while they are asymptomatic.

Symptoms often appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and include a cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell and many other potential symptoms.

It is important to stay up to date with current conditions during the pandemic. Many assume once they know the basic methods of prevention and symptoms to watch out for they are educated enough, but new information about the virus may require changes in how you operate your workplace.

Looking ahead, new information is still being sought about the virus to help understand the disease. It is vital that employers continue to stay up to date on all aspects of COVID-19 to better understand how to protect against infection, treat cases and provide safe workplaces as the economy continues to open back up.

Utilize valuable resources like the CDC, OSHA and local and state governmental agencies in order to stay up to date on new information.

Implementing Pandemic Preparedness Plan

The first step to safety for your employers during this outbreak is to develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan. While making this you should be mindful of current regulations and recommendations from local agencies to incorporate into your plan.

Your plan should prepare your business for increased worker absenteeism, change in commerce patterns, delivery and supply disruptions, the need for social distancing and conducting essential operations with a reduced workforce and cross-training.

You should also consider the level of risk associated with various job tasks and which controls may be necessary to address them. For instance, it is important to determine how and where your employees can be exposed, as well as each individuals risk factors.

These risk factors will be different for each employee. Protection and PPE should be provided for customers who come in close contact with others.

You should also gauge the health of your employees consistently and encourage them to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of disease. This can be done by putting policies into place that ensure employees report if they are experiencing any symptoms and designating a room to close off so they can be isolated until medical help can arrive.

Workplace Controls and OSHA Standards 

The best way to control hazards is to systematically remove them from the workplace. A combination of control measures is necessary to reduce exposure.

One form of this is engineering controls. This can include installing high-efficiency air filters, ventilation rates, physical barriers like sneeze guards and pressure ventilation.

Another form is administrative controls which should be included within any workplace plan. Consider including policies like encouraging sick employees to stay home, minimizing contact between any people within the building, establishing flexible worksites, discontinuing non-essential work travel and providing employees with up to date education and training on pandemic risk factors.

You should also be mindful of safe work practices which is a form of control measures that emphasizes good hygiene and infection control practices. This includes frequent hand washing, respiratory etiquette and routine housekeeping procedures to clean and disinfect.

And the final form of control measures is to provide proper PPE. This can include gloves, masks, face shields and goggles. Beyond simply providing PPE, employers should also provide training on proper use of PPE by having them properly fitted, regularly inspected and properly removed, cleaned and stored.

A combination of all of these forms is the perfect method for eliminating any risks to your employees. Businesses must also be mindful of OSHA guidelines on PPE, the General Duty Clause and Bloodborne Pathogens.

OSHA has divided job tasks into four risk exposure levels in the shape of a pyramid to represent probable risk. This ranges from very high exposure risk which would include healthcare or morgue workers to lower exposure risk which includes jobs that don’t require any contact with people suspected of being infected and minimal contact with the public.

Overall, the best workplace control to put into place is to communicate openly with your employees about the current situation of the workplace, provide training as needed and ensure employees are informed of safety precautions being taken.

At National Safety Compliance, we offer a number of different ways to train your employees on infectious disease training and planning. Here on OSHA-Safety-Training.net we offer complete infectious disease training programs with videos, trainers guides, PowerPoint presentations, quizzes, printable completion certificates, wallet cards, and more on DVD, USB, or Digital Access. We also offer complete online training modules on our OSHA Online Training site. Also, make sure to purchase posters in our series of informational COVID-19 safety posters.

 

If you have any further questions, please comment below, reach out to us via e-mail, or call us at 877-922-7233.

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Updated OSHA Guidelines for Reopening Employers

UPDATE: Our Complete Infectious Disease Control Training Program Is Now Available

States are beginning to revive their economies; businesses are reopening, and employees are returning to work. As we begin this shift forward it is important to be mindful of all guidelines provided by OSHA and state and local guidelines regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). OSHA has just released updates to its latest industry-specific COVID-19 guidance.  

With each passing week we know more about COVID-19 and are able to create improved, specific guidelines for businesses reopening. Each updated guideline is vital to the health and safety of your employees.  

While reopening the workplace after COVID-19 reconfiguring your workplace according to these new guidelines can be the difference between keeping a healthy work environment and having an outbreak in your office.  

The rate of new cases, hospitalizations and fatalities are currently decreasing throughout the country due to the steps our government has taken in accordance with OSHA’s guidelines to protect employees. Moving forward, we must continue to follow such guidelines if we want to see this decrease last. 

OSHA is working to ensure businesses perform COVID-19 employee training and enforce safe working conditions for those returning to work in order to continue to slow down the virus’s spread as we adapt to new ways of doing business. Their Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for COVID-19 provides the current instruction for eliminating health hazards.  

This plan lays out the framework for areas that the spread of the disease has significantly decreased to return to their original inspection planning policy while still prioritizing COVID-19 cases and utilizing the appropriate precautions and equipment.  

For areas where OSHA has seen an increase or resurgence of the transmission of COVID-19 they will utilize available resources according to cases with fatalities and imminent danger exposures and attempt to perform remote inspections with the intention of later performing an on-site portion of the inspection when resources become available.   

General Enforcement Guidance Changes 

Rapid Response Investigations (RRI):  

  • Work-related fatalities must be reported to OSHA within eight hours  
  • In-patient hospitalizations, amputation or losses of an eye must be reported within 24 hours  
  • Any fatalities that occur within 30 days of a work-related incident must be reported within 24 hours 
  • The Area Director (AD) will then determine if an inspection or RRI needs to be conducted  
  • RRI will identify hazards, provide abatement assistance and confirm abatement  

Process of AD Evaluations  

  • The potential risk of exposure at the workplace must be determined by the AD prior to an inspection so their resources can be prioritized effectively  
  • In instances where the AD feels an inspection is warranted, Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) must then evaluate any hazards and limit exposure 
  • CSHOs should avoid interference with the provision of ongoing medical services  
  • CSHOs must report any potential exposure to their supervisor and AD  

Specific Guidance for COVID-19 Enforcement  

Discerning when to exercise enforcement can be a difficult task. These specific guidelines aid you in this process and will help you gain a better understanding of the inspection and citation guidance.  

Your workplace risk level is a big factor, it is important to understand which of these your workplace falls into in order to better understand OSHA’s guidelines and how they apply to you specifically.  

  • High exposure: These employees are at the highest risk of exposure because they are in direct contact with suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. This includes those working with COVID-19 patients in hospitals, nursing homes and emergency response facilities.   
  • Medium exposure: These are people in a workforce who are required to be in close contact with other people who may be exposed including their co-workers. This includes places with ongoing community transmission, travel and contact with the public in settings like schools, food processing and high-volume retail centers.  
  • Low exposure: These jobs don’t require any contact with the public or any suspected of being infected, in addition, this means minimal contact with coworkers.  

These levels of exposure and risk are now becoming OSHA’s focus because they are no longer divided between being essential and non-essential as the world begins to reopen. Response to complaints will be based on case-specific facts and resource limitations. Any cases with fatalities, imminent danger or life-critical activities will have an on-site inspection.  

In order to be in compliance with these new guidelines Area Offices should follow the modified procedures below:  

  • The AD should prioritize resources and consider all detail in COVID-19 cases with fatalities and imminent danger to discern if it is better to perform a remote investigation instead of being on site. Area Offices will assist employers with this process by directing them to the documents on protective measures. 
  • Places with insufficient resources will be initiated remotely and when resources are available the on-site portion of the inspection will be conducted using a program developed by OSHA. 
  • Depending on the discretion of the AD, non-formal procedures can sufficiently address alleged hazards unless the communication via phone or fax is inadequate. 
  • RRI will handle any cases with work-related hospitalizations by referring to the procedures set in the OSHA Memorandum on RRIs. 
  • The status and condition of work operations should document any serious hazards, conditions of exposure and any information indicative of the likelihood of exposure.  

The Specifics of Inspections and Procedures  

Workplaces with a high exposure risk are the focus of inspections in response to COVID-19 and it is up to the AD to determine whether to conduct an on-site or remote inspection. These inspections are meant to confirm that they are up to date on the most recent guidelines from both the CDC and OSHA.  

In inspections CSHOs are looking to ensure that the facility is adequately trained in healthcare specific to their office and employees. They will look at individual characteristics and underlying conditions that are known to increase the risk for complications with COVID-19 including; being over 65, having a history of smoking, being immunosuppressed or having medical conditions that would further the complications of the disease.  

During the inspection, it is expected for the CSHO to be provided with any equipment and decontamination supplies they may need for the materials that they bring on site. Any reusable PPE must be cleaned on site or properly bagged to be cleaned later.  

They will still follow the same inspection procedures as previously outlined. Instead of making any big changes to the outline, it has been updated and made more specific.  

Modifications to Procedure:  

  • Opening Conference: CSHOs should take all necessary precautions to access the location for a formal interview without being exposed to locations with confirmed or suspected cases. Conferences can instead be accessed on the phone, in uncontaminated offices or outdoors. 
  • Program and Document: Before attempting an inspection on-site CSHOs should take many steps outlined on OSHA’s website including ensuring the employer has a pandemic plan outlined, has reviewed their hazard assessment and protocols and determining if the facility has airborne infection.  
  • Walkaround: CSHOs should determine which rooms are safe to walk through and should never enter a patient’s room or treatment areas. Photographs or videos should be used for air documentation only and pictures should never be taken of patients. 
  • Compliance Officer Protection: CSHOs are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccinations if and when they become available as well as the seasonal influenza vaccine. The minimum level of respiratory protection for CSHOs a fit half-mark with at least an N95 rated filter, goggles or face shields, disposable gloves and disposable gowns.   
  • Safety Practices During Inspections: CSHOs Should not enter rooms with COVID-19 patients or rooms with airborne infection. They must wash their hands with soap and water after each inspection after removing gloves.  
  • Applicable OSHA Standards: CSHOs must rely on specific facts and findings for each case.  
  • Observation of Hazards: If there are no violations of OSHA’s standards the CSHO should end the inspection and immediately leave.  
  • Citation Guidance: Violations of OSHA standards will be classified as serious.  
  • General Duty Clause: If CSHOs observe violations to OSHA’s standards they should then obtain evidence of the potential violation that shows the employer failed to keep the workplace free of hazards, the hazard was recognized, had the potential to cause death or serious physical harm and there was a possible method to correct the hazard.  
  • Use of CDC recommendations: The most current guidance should be used to assess the employer’s protective measures. When this is not the case, CSHOs should determine if the employees are exposed as a result of the hazard.  
  • Citation Review: The citation will be reviewed with the Regional Administrator and National Office before issuance.  

Guidance for OSHA Standards 

Beyond all of these specific guidelines and standards for inspections, the main thing CSHOs are trying to determine is if the employer is making true efforts towards ensuring the safety of their workers and taking proper coronavirus employer precautions. This includes eliminating workplace hazards, prioritizing efforts to acquire and use equipment that has not exceeded its shelf life and using homemade masks only as a last resort.  

To ensure that you are successfully meeting these guidelines as an employer you should reconfigure the workplace to follow these guidelines, designate a workplace safety coordinator to oversee COVID polices, train employees on cleaning and disinfecting procedures and clearly communicate practices and policies on disease. 

At National Safety Compliance, we have a Pandemic Training Course coming soon, please sign up for our newsletter if you would like to know when that is available. We also have COVID-19 safety training posters available.

To view the entire list of guidelines from OSHA, click here.

If you have any questions about the new guidelines for COVID-19, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us using the chat function on our site, e-mail us at sales@nscemail.com or call us at 877-922-7233. 

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4 Simple Steps to Train Your New and Returning Employees

UPDATE:Our Complete Infectious Disease Control Training Program Is Now Available

As your workforce returns from the coronavirus closures, it’s a good time to be proactive about your training needs for the remainder of 2020. Proper training ensures that your team will be safe and ready to resume working at peak efficiency. If you haven’t already read it, you may also want to read our guide on How to Prepare Your Office to Reopen.

National Safety Compliance has a variety of training resources that can be tailored precisely to your needs: online courses, booklets, posters, signage and much more.

Forklift driver wearing a safety mask to avoid coronavirus infection and transmission
Forklift Driver Wearing PPE

Here are some of the many ways that employee training helps your business succeed:

  • Higher productivity – When employees are well-trained, both the quantity and quality of their work improves.
  • Greater job satisfaction – Employees who receive excellent training have higher morale and greater loyalty to your organization.
  • Less supervision required – Well-trained workers spend far less time asking their supervisors for instruction and clarification.
  • Fewer accidents – Highly trained employees are less likely to experience accidents at work.
  • More opportunities for promotion – Well-trained workers are better candidates for promotion and are less likely to leave.

Here are 4 easy steps for jump-starting your employee training efforts:

#1 – Determine Which Training Method Works Best For Your Budget and Schedule

Woman using onlineoshatraining.net for workplace training
Online Training is a Great Way to Train Employees Remotely
  • Online training – This option lets employees learn at their own pace on their own schedule, either at home or on the job site. Explore some of the many online courses we offer on our Online OSHA Training LMS site.
  • Employer-led training using a National Safety Compliance training kit – This option lets you train all your employees for one low price. Each kit includes a video, trainer’s manual, PowerPoint presentation, compliance guide, employee quizzes, printable certificates, wallet cards, and more. These kits are available on DVD, USB, or instantly online via our Digital Access offering. Here is an example of our popular forklift training kit.
  • On-site instructor – This is the most expensive solution, where an instructor conducts training in-person at your facility.

#2 – Identify Your Industry And The Specialized Training Required

Food Service, Like Many Other Industries, Requires Specialized Training

Some training is applicable to all industries, such as proper hand-washing, sexual harassment prevention, safe lifting and back safety, and fire safety.

Here are some popular National Safety Compliance training kits for specific industries:

This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have a question about the training kits most applicable to your industry, please contact us.

#3 – Schedule Your Training Sessions

Online training is easy to schedule because all the work is done by computer. Employees can study either at home or in one of your offices. This is a popular option for employees currently working from home who are preparing to return to the workplace or on-boarding for a new position.

An employee taking an online safety training course
Employee Completing an Online Training Course on onlineoshatraining.net

Employer-led training can take place at your convenience. Make sure to practice safe social distancing when conducting on-site training. It’s a good idea to offer separate 1-hour sessions so employees can retain the material better.

#4 – Verify And File Test Completion Certificates

Most federal and state regulatory organizations require you to keep test results on file for each employee.

According to the Association for Talent Development, companies that offer comprehensive training programs enjoy 218% higher income per employee than companies without formal training programs. These companies also have a 24% higher profit margin than those who spend less on training.

As your company gradually resumes normal operations, now is the perfect time to proactively explore training opportunities for both new and returning employees. Call us today at 877-922-7233, send an e-mail to sales@nscemail.com, or use the chat function to learn more about our productivity-boosting training kits and online training courses.

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Does OSHA Certify Training Products?

Every week, we get a lot of questions concerning OSHA certification and our training programs. This blog series will hopefully answer a lot of your questions and help steer you in the right direction when choosing a training program that best fits your business.

The topic this week is OSHA certification. OSHA does not certify anything. They only create regulations/rules which employers must follow.

When OSHA states things like “The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l). The certification shall include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation” (which is word for word stated in OSHA’s forklift regulation) they are not stating or implying employees must be certified by OSHA. Certification means documentation of the training is required to show that an employee was indeed properly trained. It does not mean OSHA will certify any employee or that anyone can be certified by OSHA to operate a forklift, aerial lift, power tool, etc. It just means employers must document training and be able to provide proof should it ever be requested.

Statements like “Get your employees OSHA certified” are a little misleading and are often used by other companies. We do not want to imply to our customers, venders, or anyone else that our training programs will “OSHA certify” them. Our training programs will assist employers in providing the necessary training to ensure employees are capable of performing the work required and to do so according to OSHA requirements. Our training programs will not provide ALL the necessary training on any subject. They should be used as part of a wider training program which could incorporate additional classroom training, supervised practical hands-on training, and other types of training to ensure employees have the knowledge and skills to work safely.

For example, you would not watch a 20-minute video on how to parachute and then go out and jump from a plane at 20,000 feet and expect things to go well. By the same token, watching a 20-minute video on forklift safety does not provide the all necessary knowledge and skills for someone to immediately go out and operate a forklift. Our videos provide very useful information and helps employees understand many of the regulations and rules concerning forklift usage. But they also need to have supervised time operating the forklift and specific training on the particular type forklift they will be operating. 

The main take away today is to think “documentation” when you hear “certification” and “OSHA” in the same sentence. If you have any questions concerning this information reply back to all and ask. Your question might spur on additional questions and/or be helpful to others.

Next time we’ll cover the question “Are your training programs OSHA compliant?” The short answer is no but we’ll get into that next week.

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New Standards for MEWPs in 2020

New Safety Training Standards for MEWPS (Aerial and Scissor Lifts)

*Adoption of the new standards has been changed to June 1st, 2020.

In December 2018 new ANSI aerial and scissor lift standards were released. These new best-practice standards were set to take effect on December 10th of 2019. At the 2019 ASC A92 Aerial Work Platforms Annual Meeting in October 2019 the A92 Main Committee voted to delay the implementation of the new ANSI A92 suite of standards. The new effective date is June 1, 2020. If you would like to would like to get started training now, we have complete MEWP safety training video kits available on DVD, USB, Digital Access, or via Online Training Course. 

The reason for the change was due to appeals concerning requirements that the Manual of Responsibilities be placed on every Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) and that modifications or additions to a MEWP could only be made with the permission of the manufacturer. The decision by the ANSI Board of Standards Review regarding the appeals, resulted in some revisions of the language which violated  the ANSI Commercial Terms Policy.   

MEWP standards for 2020The delay in implementation and enforcement of the new standards should not cause companies to halt changes from being made now in order to be in compliance come March 1st. The new standards were devised to increase the safety of all entities involved with the use of MEWPS. If you have not already started to implement policies, rules and procedures to comply with the new standards, this delay is your opportunity to get on track and be ready. You should start now to familiarize yourself with the major changes and requirements of the new standards with the goal of achieving compliance as quickly as possible. In additional to changes in training requirements, equipment design, and job site safety rules, new terminology and classifications regarding aerial and scissor lifts are taking effect. We will discuss a few of the requirements below.

MEWP Terminology and Classification

Aerial Work Platforms have been renamed and are now called Mobile Elevating Work Platforms or MEWPs. Along with the new terminology for lifts is a new classification system. Previously, Aerial Work Platforms were classified by product type like scissor lifts, boom lifts, etc. MEWPs will now be classified into “groups” and sub-divided into three “types.”

MEWP LiftGroup classification is determined by whether the lift stays within the tipping lines or moves beyond the tipping lines. “Group A” MEWPs move vertically but stay within the chassis or tipping lines. Scissor lifts are an example of this group. “Group B” MEWPs can move beyond the machine’s chassis or tipping lines (wheels or outriggers). Group B generally refers to boom lifts.

MEWP Type is determined by whether the lift can travel when stowed or elevated and the location of the controls which allow such travel.

  • Type 1 MEWPs can only travel with the platform in a stowed position.
  • Type 2 MEWPs can travel elevated and is controlled from the chassis.
  • Type 3 MEWPs can travel elevated and is controlled from the platform.

(Note: Type 2 and type 3 MEWPs can be combined.)

MEWP Equipment Changes

Additional safety design features are now required on all new MEWPs. New safety features include load and tilt sensing, stability test for pneumatic tires, wind force requirements for outdoor use, toe-boards on all platform areas, non-flexible MEWP Liftentrance gates, taller platform railings, and sustained involuntary operation controls. Operators must be familiarized with the MEWPs being used and trained on the new safety features prior to operating.  Existing equipment is not required to be retrofitted to meet the new design requirements. Therefore, it is important for all employees to know the differences between the company’s various MEWPs and are properly trained on both as needed.

MEWP Safe Use

A Safe Use Plan must be established for each specific MEWP. The plan should include worksite risk assessment to identify hazards, evaluate risk, create control measures, and communicate results with all affected employees. Other areas which must be covered include but is not limited to the following:

  • Selection and use of the appropriate MEWP;
  • An assessment of the support surface;
  • Familiarization of the specific MEWP to be used;
  • Monitoring of the work performance of the operator by a trained and qualified supervisor; and
  • Requirements for documentation of records.

 

MEWP Manuals and Safety-Related Bulletins

Operation manuals provided by the manufacturer must be stored in a weather-proof compartment on the MEWP. Employers must ensure operators read and understand the manual or has it explained to them. MEWPs must be registered with the manufacturer to ensure safety-related bulletins are received.

Inspections

MEWP InspectionDifferent inspections must be performed to ensure the safety of all involved with the use of MEWPs. Inspections are the key to identifying and correcting any malfunctions and/or problems associated with the MEWP before the MEWP is put into operation. The three inspections are Frequent Inspections, Annual Inspections, and Pre-Start Inspections. A qualified person must perform the frequent and annual inspections while the MEWP operator is the one to perform the pre-start inspections. The MEWP should not be put into service until all malfunctions and/or problems found during the inspections have been corrected.

  • A frequent inspection must be performed prior to placing a MEWP into service or if the MEWP has been out of service longer than three months.
  • The annual inspection must be performed at least once every 12 months. It must include all items checked on the frequent inspection and any additional items specified  by the manufacturer.
  • Pre-start inspections must be performed every day or at the beginning of each shift.

MEWP Rescue Planning

A written rescue plan must be created and incorporated into the company’s training procedures which addresses falls from the platform. Rescue planning is necessary to ensure the safe and timely rescue of workers from heights in the event of a MEWP breakdown, platform entanglement or a fall from the platform. The plan should limit the time anyone on the work platform, known as an occupant, is suspended after an arrested fall. The rescue plan can include the following:

  • Self-rescue – by person involved
  • Assisted rescue – by others at the work site
  • Technical rescue – by emergency services

MEWP Qualifications and Training

MEWP-specific training must be provided to operators and their supervisors by a qualified person and must be presented in a both a language and vocabulary the trainee can understand.

  • Operators – Can only operate MEWPs on which they have been trained, familiarized, and authorized to operate. Operators must be physically and mentally capable of operating the MEWP safely.
  • Occupant – MEWP operators must provide instructions and/or make sure all occupants have a basic level of knowledge to work safely on the MEWP. At least one occupant must be taught how to operate the MEWP controls in case of an emergency where the operator becomes incapacitated. This does not give the occupant the authority to operate the MEWP except in an emergency.
  • Familiarization – Employers must ensure the trained operator is familiarized with the specific MEWP to be used before authorizing the operator to use it. Familiarization includes:
  1. Locati of the manufacturer’s operation manuals and confirmation they are present;
  2. Purpose and function of all controls, features and devices; and
  3. Limitations and operating characteristics.

Implementation of the new standards might seem a little overwhelming when you consider the entirety of them. But compliance will not be so difficult once you begin to make the necessary changes. Keep the health and safety of your employees the focus as you incorporate the new standards into your work policies and procedures.

For our MEWP Training Kits on DVD, USB, or Digital Access visit: https://www.osha-safety-training.net/mewp/

For our MEWP Training Kits via online LMS visit: https://www.onlineoshatraining.net/product/aerial-scissor-lift-training-requirements-online-training

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Occupational Fatalities in 2018

– The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Report, released today, shows the rate of fatal work injuries remained unchanged in 2018.

Tragically, unintentional overdoses at work increased by 12 percent—the sixth consecutive annual increase and a reflection of the broader opioid crisis that our nation is facing. To combat this problem, President Trump has declared the opioid epidemic a National Health Emergency.  OSHA also teamed with the National Safety Council on the release of a toolkit to help employers address opioid abuse in their workplaces and support workers in recovery.

Suicide at work, which increased by 11 percent in 2018, is also a tragic public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on families, workplaces, and communities. OSHA created a new webpage with free and confidential resources to help identify the warning signs of suicide and to help users know who and how to call for help.

Today’s report also showed a 14 percent decline in work-related fatal falls from heights, the lowest total since 2013. Enforcement efforts helped abate more than 7,000 fall-related hazards in the construction industry.

“OSHA will continue to use BLS data for enforcement targeting within its jurisdiction to help prevent tragedies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “Inspections for OSHA were up, and we will work with state plans so employers and workers can find compliance assistance tools in many forms or call the agency to report unsafe working conditions. Any fatality is one too many.”

Employers who need assistance in meeting their safety obligations can take advantage of OSHA’s no-cost and confidential On-Site Consultation Program. OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIs) also provide training to workers, employers, and other safety professionals across the nation.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

Trade Release

U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Office of Communications
Washington, D.C.
www.osha.gov		 For Immediate Release
December 17, 2019
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999
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U.S. Department of Labor Updates National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued an updated National Emphasis Program (NEP) to focus agency inspections on Machine Guarding Sawamputation hazards in manufacturing industries. This directive updates the 2015 NEP on amputations.

The NEP targets industrial and manufacturing workplaces where employees are injured by unguarded or improperly guarded machinery and equipment. NEPs focus agency enforcement activity and do not create any new obligation to employers.

The updated NEP:

  • Revises targeting methodology to include data from amputation reporting requirements;
  • Revises coding requirements for amputation inspections in the OSHA Information System; and
  • Adds new appendices on amputations targeting methodology and North American Industry Classification System codes.

The emphasis program will run until March 10, 2020, with a three-month period of education and prevention outreach. During this period, OSHA will continue to respond to complaints, referrals, hospitalizations and fatalities. Enforcement activities will begin after the outreach period and remain in effect until canceled. OSHA-approved State Plans are expected to have enforcement procedures that are at least as effective as those in this instruction.

Machine Safe GuardingEmployers are already responsible for ensuring machines are properly safeguarded to prevent worker amputations and other fatal injuries. Our Machine Guarding program provides compliance assistance to help employers identify amputation hazards, and follow required procedures to properly guard stationary and portable machines.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Office of Communications
Washington, D.C.
www.osha.gov

For Immediate Release
December 17, 2019
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999
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Fire Safety

Fire Safety

I hope you had a good weekend. This week is National Fire Safety Week and we wanted to share some good fire prevention information with you. Now, this is not normally recognized in businesses, but we know it’s a good thing for businesses to be aware of too. A matter of fact, many employees are uncertain what to do in case of a workplace fire. We take fire safety very seriously around here and have searched for the perfect video to help drive home its importance.
Check it out!



Jim Carey has a very comical take on fire prevention. A lot of his scenarios are so far out there that you’d think they’d be impossible. Workplace fire safety  can be the same way.

It seems like common knowledge, but people continue to use damaged extension cords or even place flammable objects where they are easily exposed to sparks.

National Safety Compliance has developed a great video to help train employees how to prevent fires and what to do in case of a fire.  It covers things like the common causes of fires, types of fires, and how to put fires out with an extinguisher.

If your workplace is missing out on Fire Safety, I strongly encourage you to visit our site and see what we have to offer.

Visit Our Site

Thanks for reading,



National Safety Compliance

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