COVID-19 Construction & OSHA Update
Be Smart – Be Safe
The hammer comes down on construction to slow coronavirus spread among workers
By Sarah Parvini, Los Angeles Times
Amid concerns that construction workers are being exposed to coronavirus, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced new guidelines that will require all construction sites to create a “COVID-19 exposure control plan.” Protocols should include symptom checks, physical distancing, hygiene and decontamination, Garcetti said. READ MORE
RELATED NEWS:
“Due to the impact on workplace conditions caused by limited supplies of N95 FFRs, employers should reassess their engineering controls, work practices and administrative controls to identify any changes they can make to decrease the need for N95 respirators. If respiratory protection must be used, employers may consider use of alternative classes of respirators that provide equal or greater protection compared to an N95 FFR, such as National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved, non-disposable, elastomeric respirators or powered, air-purifying respirators. When these alternatives are not available, or where their use creates additional safety or health hazards, employers may consider the extended use or reuse of N95 FFRs, or use of N95 FFRs that were approved but have since passed the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life, under specified conditions.” [From FED OSHA]
https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/04032020
Also — Cal/OSHA has published this strategy guidance regarding respirator shortages:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/Cal-OSHA-Guidance-for-respirator-shortages.pdf
Among other points: “Title 8 CCR Section 3380 permits employee-provided PPE as long as the employer ensures the PPE complies with Cal/OSHA standards and is properly maintained. Employers should not prohibit employee-provided PPE in compliance with Cal/OSHA standards when the employer is unable to provide it. Disciplining an employee for choosing to bring compliant PPE to work could subject the employer to claims of retaliation claims under Sections 1102.5 and 6310 through 6312 of the Labor Code.”
Teresa M. Young has been a consultant to entrepreneurs since 1986, in both retail and B2B sectors. In 1991, she became President of Sign Biz, Inc., a full-service business development company. Young sits on multiple boards, including as Past Chairwoman of both the International Sign Association (ISA) and California Sign Association. She is an accomplished code writer, web developer and contributor to the Git Repository. Young is also an in-demand speaker, engaging business owners with topical and powerful business insights and strategies in support of best business practices and modern marketing strategies under her MintyWorks and Coffee with T brands. 200 click-and-mortar enterprises were established under the Sign Biz business model with more than $19,000,000 worth of SBA-backed funding for these businesses.