UPDATED ON 1/4/2021
OSHA has issued a list of citations for violations relating to COVID-19, spanning from the beginning of the virus until Dec. 24, 2020.
The cost of these proposed penalties currently stands at $3,849,222. OSHA reported that these penalties are the result of 295 workplace inspections where violations occurred.
Common OSHA violations include failures to do the following:
- Implement a written respiratory protection program
- Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper use of a respirator and personal protective equipment
- Report an injury, illness or fatality
- Record an injury or illness on OSHA recordkeeping forms
- Comply with the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Get the full list of COVID-19 violations and establishments here. An OSHA standards database can be found here.
OSHA COVID-19 Recommendations
Though many workplaces have implemented precautions for COVID-19, it’s easy to grow weary and relax the standards put in place. However, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant about keeping workers safe and healthy with precautions such as social distancing and safety equipment.
Successful employers will continue to implement and refresh employees on the best practices for staying COVID-19 free.
Here are a few reminders on how to protect the health of essential workers:
- Stagger shifts: Schedule members of your team for shorter work shifts at different times. It’s still possible to keep projects running on schedule with staggered shifts.
- Limit physical interaction: You’ve heard of “social distancing,” and you can apply the same concept on your jobsite. Try to keep workers six feet away from each other by splitting up break times and locations, and making workers aware that they shouldn’t get too close.
- Provide necessary safety equipment: In addition to any normal PPE that may be required on your jobsite, employers should also provide masks, hand sanitizer, wipes, and paper towels. Managers should also consider scheduling regular cleaning in areas where workers congregate.
- Limit customer interaction: The rules of social distancing also apply if you work face to face with customers. Stay six feet away, and limit the number of customers who can come into your business place to one at a time.
- Implement medical surveillance: You’ve probably heard of companies keep thermometers on hand to test workers on arrival, but you can take health precautions one step further with medical surveillance.
Worksite Medical can dispatch a mobile medical unit to your jobsite to perform Coronavirus symptom screening, respirator fit tests, audio exams and more. You can also get access to instant respirator questionnaire medical clearances via our all-new online portal.
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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, 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!
