Follow Existing OSHA Standards
Existing OSHA standards may apply to protecting workers from exposure to infectious diseases.
Many requirements are covered under OSHA's General Duty Clause.
While there is no specific OSHA standard covering COVID-19 exposure, some OSHA requirements may apply to preventing occupational exposure to infectious diseases. Among the most relevant are:
- OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910.132, PPE General Requirements), which require using gloves, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection.
- When respirators are necessary to protect workers or where employers require respirator use, employers must implement a comprehensive respiratory protection program in accordance with the Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). OSHA has issued temporary guidance related to enforcement of respirator annual fit-testing requirements for healthcare.
- The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), which requires employers to furnish to each worker "employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm."
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-5. If specific OSHA standards do not cover requirements, employers may still be responsible under _____.
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