OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

About The Event

Given the current COVID-19 Pandemic, Employers are more than ever looking towards the regulatory agencies for guidance to be able to have their employees return to the workforce safely. According to The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is responsible “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women;

• by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act;
• by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions;
• by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.”

With the mixed messages from the medical, political and regulatory agencies, Employers are now confused and have mixed feelings about transitioning their workforce to the new normal.

OSHA has created a Guidance on Preparing workplaces for COVID-19 which has very good components. However, it is not a standard or regulation and not expected to be fully enforced. However, Employers should use the guide as good practice for opening their workplace or transitioning their workforce to the new normal to avoid allegations of unsafe workplace violations by employees and to provide a safe environment for workers.

This training will provide an overview of the OSHA guide and will provide information on how to recall employers appropriately and decrease allegations of discrimination.

Areas Covered

• How can Employers use the OSHA guidance to prepare for the COVID-19 in the workplace?
• What other resources should you use to determine if your workplace is ready to manage the COVID-19 Pandemic?
• What industries have the highest risk for managing COVID-19?
• How can the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) be part of any plan to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace?
• How can Employers maintain safety guidelines to help retain employees?
• Employers need to consider several factors when deciding how they should open to ensure they are not in violation of safety regulations

Learning Objectives

• Learn where COVID-19 really came from and how the data indicates where it is going
• Learn what regulatory agencies are involved in preparing the workplace for COVID-19 preparedness and compliance
• Learn what COVID-19 symptoms have expanded
• Learn about the important factors that must be considered as you determine re-opening
• Learn how the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) can determine how Employers should proceed with responses by employees for reasonable accommodations
• Learn what other factors determines if employees will return if asked
• What impact does recalling employees have as they consider safety and eligibility of Unemployment Insurance?
• Can Employers legally take the temperature of employees returning to the workplace?
• How Can Employers recall employees without violating discrimination regulations?
• What policies and procedures must be in place to protect Employers and employees?
• Learn how effective communication can help employee retention
• What minimum Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should be part of any workplace procedures and who should pay for it?
• What is the Employer role in ensuring safety when the workplace opens?
• Which jobs are considered essential, high risk or low risk for COVID-19
• Why should Employers consider the impact of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) when employees reject an order to return to work?
• Learn what other compliance efforts must be considered when re-opening the workplace

Who Should Attend

• All Employers
• Business Owners
• Company Leadership
• Compliance professionals
• Payroll Administrators
• HR Professionals
• Compliance Professionals
• Managers/Supervisors
• Employers in all industries
• Small Business Owners
• Large Business Owners
• Company Leadership