OSHA has confirmed that it considers work-related exposure to COVID-19 to be a recordable (and reportable) illness. Discharging this obligation may prove particularly difficult if the outbreak continues to expand. Employers also should be aware that OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements are “no fault,” meaning that employers must record work-related illnesses even if the employer had no control over the exposure.

OSHA recordkeeping and reporting are obviously secondary priorities to ensuring employee safety. In that regard, employers should take all appropriate measures to safeguard employees against exposure. Sick employees or those with suspected exposure to COVID-19 should not come to work and should follow the guidance of medical professionals and other public health officials such as some of the CDC recommended guidelines, attached. Please feel free to use/modify the attachment for use in your workplace.

COVID-19 Employee Letter Re Coming to Work (pdf)

COVID-19 Employee Letter Re Coming to Work (word document)

Feel free to contact us should you have any questions or like further assistance.