The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new workplace guidance related to coronavirus. The stronger guidance was created in response to direction from President Biden to provide clear recommendations for employers in order to keep workers safe.

The new guidance, “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace,” does not constitute a standard or regulation. OSHA states that it does not create any new legal obligations for employers.

Key recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include:

• Conduct a hazard assessment.
• Identify control measures to limit the spread of the virus.
• Adopt policies for employee absences that don’t punish workers as a way to encourage potentially infected workers to remain home.
• Ensure that coronavirus policies and procedures are communicated to both English and non-English speaking workers.
• Implement protections from retaliation for workers who raise coronavirus-related concerns. 

Read the updated OSHA guidance. 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Have you assessed your company's cybersecurity risks?
DOL abruptly ends PAID program
Noisy yard became a peaceful haven
3 things that will make or break your landscape company in 2021