OSHA Enforcement for COVID-19 Prevention

OSHA Standards for Long Term Care

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has shared important resources for employers in order to ensure a safe and healthy workplace, free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Implementing a workplace COVID-19 prevention program is the most effective way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at work.

OSHA is enforcing COVID-19 prevention across the country. Here's what you need to know:

• Instruct sick workers to stay home.
• Screen workers and residents regularly for signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
• Quarantine workers and residents if they have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19.
• Follow CDC guidance on resident visitation policies.
• Implement physical distancing practices to maintain at least six feet between workers/residents/visitors, including while workers perform their duties and during breaks.
• Stagger employee break periods to avoid crowding in breakrooms.
• Use alternatives to large in-person gatherings (e.g., staff meetings, resident activities).
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces in resident rooms, staff work stations, and common areas.
• Ensure workers have and use any personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to perform their jobs safely.
• Continually monitor the facility’s stock of PPE.
• Train workers on COVID-19 policies and procedures in a language they understand (Don't forget to document!).