To help protect nursing home and long-term care facility workers from exposure to the coronavirus, OSHA issued an alert, in English and Spanish, with the following safety tips:
COVID-19 Symptom Screening and Monitoring
- Encourage sick workers to stay home.
- Screen workers and residents regularly for signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Closely monitor and take additional precautions regarding employees and residents who may have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19.
- Send sick workers home or to seek medical care.
COVID-19 Training and Communication
- Train workers about how to protect themselves and residents during the pandemic.
- Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.
Nursing Home & Long-Term Care Visitation Policy Updates
- Follow CDC guidance on updating existing resident visitation policies.
- Ask visitors to inform the facility if they develop a fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of their visit.
- Maintain at least six feet between workers, residents, and visitors, to the extent possible, including while workers perform their duties and during breaks.
Workplace Recommendations
- Stagger break periods to avoid crowding in breakrooms.
- Consider alternatives to in-person large group gatherings (e.g., staff meetings, resident activities).
- Always follow good infection prevention and control practices.
- Consult OSHA’s COVID-19 guidance for healthcare workers and employers.
- Provide handwashing facilities and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol throughout facilities.
- Regularly clean and disinfect shared equipment and frequently touched surfaces in resident rooms, staff work stations, and common areas.
- Use hospital-grade cleaning chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from List N or EPA-approved, hospital grade cleaning chemicals that have label claims against the coronavirus.
Personal Protective Equipment
- Ensure workers have and use any personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to perform their jobs safely.
- Continually monitor PPE stocks, burn rate, and supply chains.
- Develop a process for decontamination and reuse of PPE, such as face shields and goggles, as appropriate.
- Follow CDC recommendations for optimization of PPE supplies.
***
About Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct on-site respirator fit tests (including N95 masks), as well as pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote!
