Virginia Adopts Uniform COVID Workplace Safety Rules

Virginia made history by becoming the first state to adopt coronavirus-related workplace safety mandates which establish requirements for employers to control, prevent, and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

In addition to mandating social distancing, the rules require all employers to:

• Provide flexible sick-leave policies, telework and staggered shifts when feasible;
• Provide both handwashing stations and hand sanitizer when feasible;
• Assess risk levels of employers and suppliers before entry;
• Notify the Virginia Department of Health of positive COVID-19 tests;
• Notify VOSH of three or more positive COVID-19 tests within a two-week period;
• Assess hazard levels of all job tasks;
• Provide COVID-19 training of all employees within 30 days (except for low-hazard places of employment);
• Prepare infectious disease preparedness and response plans within 60 days;
• Post or present agency-prepared COVID-19 information to all employees; and
• Maintain air handling systems in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards.

Here is the link with the full text of the order:  https://www.doli.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/RIS-filed-RTD-Final-ETS-7.24.2020.pdf

Here is the link with all of the templates and forms to allow employers to comply with new regulations:  https://www.doli.virginia.gov/covid-19-outreach-education-and-training/