Straight From the Source: Official COVID-19 Workplace Guidance

Every new day in the coronavirus pandemic brings new challenges to the traditional workplace. Occupancy and staffing restrictions. Mask and PPE guidelines. Procedures for sick leave and contact tracing. Employers are far into unfamiliar territory at this point. Thankfully, there’s new COVID-19 workplace guidance every day.

Organizations dedicated to employee and workplace safety continually release up-to-date information, including best practices for keeping employees safe and how to handle confirmed coronavirus cases. So it’s prudent to stay updated on newly issued mandates and stipulations.

The best way to do that is to follow those organizations closest to the pandemic. Here’s a rundown of the most recent COVID-19 workplace guidance we’ve seen from them.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

The U.S. DOL has established a huge repository of information regarding coronavirus and workplace best practices. The organization’s COVID-19 and the American Workplace landing page has up-to-the-day information about sick leave, workplace protocols and contact tracing. It also includes resources such as workplace materials, webinars and even communication templates.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA’s COVID-19 dashboard is rife with information about how to keep workers safe amidst the pandemic. The organization is a stalwart for breaking news and brings employers robust information on establishing and enforcing workplace safety protocols. OSHA’s emphasis on prevention and control makes it a gold mine for larger employers with fewer opportunities to enact and enforce social distancing.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response page provides a frequently updated stream of information, technical assistance and resources regarding employee rights. It’s also the premier destination to find press releases and quoted statements from the U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and other federal administrations and persons, including the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC’s website is the foremost resource for FAQs and guidance on standards and practices regarding employee rights. The organization’s Coronavirus and COVID-19 fact sheet and resources page provide broad information and drilled-down COVID-19 workplace guidance. It also bridges the gap between other agencies (like the ADA and OSHA) and how updated standards and practices can and should be executed.

Additional Workplace Safety Resources

Virtually every major government and workplace-focused organization is releasing guidance as the pandemic situation evolves. You should use the following additional credible resources as reference when shaping new policies and enacting new standards.

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• National Safety Council (NSC)

Act With Employee Safety Top of Mind

The resources offered by each of these organizations are consistent with one objective: keep employees safe in the workplace. Stay updated on best practices for reducing coronavirus transmission, and consult an HR professional with questions about COVID-19 workplace guidance.

Most importantly, keep employee safety at the forefront of everything you do. From at-home self-screenings to contact tracing for confirmed cases, every action in the name of employee safety is one worth taking.

All content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Matters discussed in this article are subject to change. For up-to-date information on this subject please contact a James Moore professional. James Moore will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.