New Massachusetts mandatory workplace safety standards
Massachusetts has announced a four-phased approach to reopening the economy amidst the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.
The state has also published Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards. The new standards will be required across the board to all reopening workplaces, with the goal of reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to employees and customers. The new Workplace Safety Standards are as follows.
For social distancing:
All persons, including employees, customers, and vendors should remain at least six feet apart to the greatest extent possible, both inside and outside workplaces
Establish protocols to ensure that employees can practice adequate social distancing
Provide signage for safe social distancing
Require face coverings or masks for all employees
For hygiene:
Provide hand washing capabilities throughout the workplace
Ensure frequent hand washing by employees and adequate supplies to do so
Provide regular sanitization of high touch areas, such as workstations, equipment, screens, doorknobs, restrooms throughout work site
For staffing and operations:
Provide training for employees regarding the social distancing and hygiene protocols
Employees who are displaying COVID19-like symptoms do not report to work
Establish a plan for employees getting ill from COVID-19 at work, and a return-to-work plan
For cleaning and disinfecting:
Establish and maintain cleaning protocols specific to the business
When an active employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, cleaning and disinfecting must be performed
Disinfection of all common surfaces must take place at intervals appropriate to said workplace
Mandatory sector-specific safety protocols and best practices will also be announced as each sector is eligible to reopen.
Doorways Employment Law, LLC specializes in employment law counseling, strategic advice and representation to employees and businesses across Massachusetts, including with respect to COVID-19 and the Coronavirus. Contact Doorways.
