On Friday, January 29, OSHA released revised guidance for businesses operating during the pandemic. Please note, this is guidance and not mandatory. During a Small Business Stakeholder Round Table meeting this morning, the new Deputy Assistant Secretary of OSHA, Jim Frederick, stated that OSHA is looking into an Emergency Temporary Standard per the President’s Executive Order last week, but they have not made a decision if they will issue one or not and are seeking input from the business community. Key updates to the guidance focus on:

• The importance of conducting a hazard assessment;
• Identifying a combination of measures that will limit the spread;
• Adopting measures to ensure those who may be positive are separated from the workforce
• Protecting against retaliation to ensure no adverse action is taken against an employee who raises workplace safety concerns;
• Informing workers about policies and procedures in a language they understand;
• Involving workers when developing plans and conducting hazard assessments.