Virginia First State to Implement Mandatory COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules

Virginia has become the first state in the nation to codify COVID-19 workplace safety requirements. Starting July 27, 2020, these rules generally follow the same guidelines that OSHA has released previously, and include:

• Assessing the workplace for COVID-19 hazards and classifying tasks according to the risk of exposure

• Developing and implementing procedures for employees to report COVID-19 symptoms

• Developing and implementing policies for employees with a known/suspected case of COVID-19 to return to work

• Ensuring physical distancing between employees, or PPE when impossible

• Increased cleaning and disinfecting of workplace areas
  

• Controlling, limiting or closing access to common areas
  

• Employers classified as very high/high OR employers classified as medium risk but with 11 or more employees MUST develop and implement a written infectious disease preparedness & response plan within 60 days of the effective date of the standard

• Notifying VOSH of 3 or more positive tests within 2 weeks

• Training of all employees on COVID-19, presenting employees with COVID-19 exposure reduction information
  

• Controlling, limiting or closing access to common areas

This is an emergency, temporary standard which goes into effect July 27, 2020 and will expire after 6 months.

Contact us with any questions about the new standard, and its training or program.