Archive for 2020

A number of social media posts attribute a fabricated quote about the dangers of wearing face-coverings to OSHA. OSHA does recommend the use of face-coverings per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, according to Reuters. The extract of the post referring to OSHA reads “(SIC) OSHA… Wearing Masks Longer Than 20…

As a result of both the immediate and long-term risks highlighted by the current public and occupational health crisis, Oregon OSHA is responding to the request that the state adopt an enforceable workplace health rule on an emergency basis this summer, to be replaced by a permanent rule. This high-level timeline treats these as two…

As New Jersey expands its plans to reopen, workers across the state are being called back to work by their employers, according to NJ.com. Some are also being asked to sign liability waivers, saying they will not hold their employers responsible if the worker gets infected with COVID-19 on the job. Can workers be forced to sign such a form? “An employer in…

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or IOSHA, says it is has received a record high of complaints since the pandemic began. According to IOSHA, they have received over 9,000 complaints dating back to mid-March.​  That’s 7.5 times more than their yearly average at 1,200 complaints.”

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has announced renewed efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as the state has seen a recent surge in the number of cases, according to the National Law Review.  As part of this effort, the Governor issued Executive Order 2020-40 (EO 2020-40), which imposes requirements instead of making recommendations, as well as new…

OSHA has issued guidance to assist employers reopening non-essential businesses and their employees returning to work during the evolving coronavirus pandemic. The guidance supplements the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ previously developed Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 and the White House’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again. The guidelines provide general principles…

Walt Disney World theme parks open beginning July 11 for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15, according to the Disney World website. Additionally, Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have begun to reopen to members and guests. Disney…

States have arrived at a crossroads that will define the coronavirus pandemic in the United States as half of the country struggles to manage rising COVID-19 cases, health experts say, according to USA Today. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert at the National Institutes of Health, told Congress that the next two weeks will be…

Physical distancing by working at home and avoiding in-person meetings or social gatherings can help reduce disease transmission – but also affects access to social support and can result in feelings of isolation and added stress, according to NIOSH. Not all jobs are amenable to remote work. Workers who must continue to report to a…

The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting worker well-being in many ways, including through decreased economic security. Economic aspects of overall health and well-being, along with physical, psychological, and social aspects, are a fundamental focus of the NIOSH Healthy Work Design and Well-being Program (HWD). The mission of HWD is to protect and advance worker safety,…