COVID-19

[faq][faq_item title=”Topics for Employee Training”]Information on COVID-19, how to prevent it from spreading, and which underlying health conditions may make individuals more susceptible to contracting the virus.  Self-screening at home, including temperature and/or symptom checks using CDC Guidelines.  The importance of not coming to work if employees have symptoms of COVID-19 as described by the CDC, such as a frequent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell, or if they or someone they live with have been diagnosed with COVID-19. 5  To seek medical attention if their symptoms become severe, including persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face. Updates and further details are available on CDC’s webpage.  The importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water, including scrubbing with soap for 20 seconds (or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol (preferred) or 70% isopropanol (if the product is inaccessible to unsupervised children) when employees cannot get to a sink or handwashing station, per CDC guidelines).  The importance of physical distancing, both at work and off work time (see Physical Distancing section below).  Proper use of face coverings, including: o Face coverings do not protect the wearer and are not personal protective equipment (PPE). o Face coverings can help protect people near the wearer, but do not replace the need for physical distancing and frequent handwashing. o Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth. o Workers should wash or sanitize hands before and after using or adjusting face coverings. o Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. o Face coverings should be washed or discarded after each shift.  Ensure temporary or contract workers are also properly trained in COVID19 prevention policies and have necessary supplies and PPE. Discuss these responsibilities ahead of time with organizations supplying temporary and/or contract workers.  Information on employer or government-sponsored leave benefits the employee may be entitled to receive that would make it financially easier to stay at home. See additional information on government programs supporting sick leave and worker’s compensation for COVID19, including employee’s sick leave rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and employee’s rights to workers’ compensation benefits and presumption of the work-relatedness of COVID-19 pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-62-20.[/faq_item][faq_item title=”Worksite Specific Plan”]Establish a written, worksite-specific COVID-19 prevention plan at every location, perform a comprehensive risk assessment of all work areas, and designate a person at each facility to implement the plan.  Identify contact information for the local health department where the facility is located for communicating information about COVID-19 outbreaks among workers.  Train and communicate with workers and employee representatives on the plan.  Regularly evaluate the facility for compliance with the plan and document and correct deficiencies identified.  Investigate any COVID-19 illness and determine if any work-related factors could have contributed to risk of infection. Update the plan as needed to prevent further cases.  Identify close contacts (within six feet for 15 minutes or more) of an infected worker and take steps to isolate COVID-19 positive worker(s) and close contacts.  Adhere to the guidelines below. Failure to do so could result in workplace illnesses that may cause operations to be temporarily closed or limited.[/faq_item][/faq]