Category: COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak is at top of mind for environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals nationwide.

Michigan flag facemask, COVID-19

Michigan Latest State to Issue Emergency COVID-19 Regulations

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) issued emergency regulations for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposures in the workplace. The regulations include a requirement for remote work, when feasible. Michigan becomes the second state, following Virginia, to issue emergency COVID-19 regulations.

Infographic: Best Practices for Diffusing COVID-19 Confrontations

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for confrontations to occur between workers and customers or other employees over protective measures and policies related to COVID-19, including threatening or even assault. This infographic provides a few tips for diffusing these situations.

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

OSHA Issues Temporary Guidance on PAPR Enforcement

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued temporary guidance on enforcement of initial and annual fit-testing requirements in the Respiratory Protection standard for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs). Enforcement discretion is limited to healthcare personnel or other workers engaged in high- or very high-exposure-risk activities.

California and Nevada, COVID-19

More COVID-19 Safety Violations Cited in California, Nevada

States with their own workplace safety and health programs continue strong enforcement of both occupational safety and health regulations and their governors’ orders allowing the reopening of businesses. California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited five grocery stores, including two that failed to report employee deaths. The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration […]

COVID-19 safety inspection

COVID-19 Enforcement: A Guide for EHS Professionals

Will workplace safety and health inspectors show up at your facility if workers contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and one of them files a complaint? Yes; in fact, it’s already happened.

COVID-19 testing

NSC Says 39 States Need to Improve COVID-19 Response

Thirty-nine states need to do more to protect their residents from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is a respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). The group’s “State of the Response” report assessed states on their efforts in five key areas based on the NSC’s SAFER: […]

California and COVID-19

California Hospitals, Police Department Cited for Failing to Protect Workforce from COVID-19

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited six San Francisco Bay Area employers, including hospitals, a police department, and skilled nursing facilities, for failing to protect their employees from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

COVID-19 safety inspection

Michigan OSHA Hands Out Citations for COVID-19 Violations

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) cited 19 different businesses with serious “general duty” violations for failing to implement safety and health workplace guidelines, exposing employees to hazards of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR)

NIOSH Seeks Comment on EHMR Use, Respirator Stockpile

On September 14, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued a request for information and comment on the deployment to and use of elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) by emergency medical services (EMS) organizations and in healthcare settings during the ongoing coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (85 FR 56618).