The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has issued interim guidance for workplaces regarding COVID-19 safety measures. All employers are advised to continuously assess the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and take necessary precautions to safeguard their employees.
For healthcare workers, adherence to CDC recommendations, including Standard Precautions, is paramount. Non-healthcare employees should follow CDC guidelines for preventing respiratory viruses.
L&I strongly recommends the use of well-fitting masks or respirators in close proximity to individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, especially within the first 10 days of symptom onset. Employers must ensure the voluntary use of respirators doesn’t compromise safety.
Employers should integrate COVID-19 safety measures into their Accident Prevention Programs and provide comprehensive training to employees. Regular handwashing, surface disinfection, and record-keeping of COVID-19 cases are also advised.
Additional precautions include keeping symptomatic employees out of the workplace until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, implementing enhanced ventilation, and promoting vaccination.
For workers at increased risk or those in high-exposure roles, appropriate respiratory protection is essential. Employers are encouraged to facilitate telework and flexible leave policies to support affected employees.
Overall, L&I emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe work environment and complying with relevant regulations to protect both employees and customers.
L&I Guidance for Preventing COVID-19
