COVID-19 Federal OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS On January 13, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion on federal OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing and Face Coverings Emergency Temporary Standard, published on November 5, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 61402) ("ETS"). In the opinion, the Court indicated that the federal government lacked the statutory authority to impose the mandate. You can review this ruling on the U.S. Supreme Court webpage. More information on this ruling can also be found on federal OSHA's webpage. New! On January 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced they were withdrawing the vaccination and testing emergency standard issued on November 5, 2021, They indicated the withdrawal is effective January 26, 2022. OSHA indicated that although they are withdrawing the vaccination and testing ETS as an enforceable emergency temporary standard, the agency is not withdrawing the ETS as a proposed rule. The agency is prioritizing its resources to focus on finalizing a permanent COVID-19 Healthcare standard. For more information, please refer to OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS webpage and Federal Register Notice. North Carolina had not previously adopted federal OSHA's ETS standard for vaccination and testing. Federal OSHA's decision to withdraw the rule means that no further review or action will take place in North Carolina. Federal OSHA's COVID-19 ETS for Healthcare New! North Carolina adopted verbatim the federal OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare with an effective date of July 21, 2021. While the federal standard [Except the recordkeeping provisions of 29 CFR 1910.502(q)(2)(ii), (q)(3)(ii)-(iv), and (r)] expired on December 21, 2021, North Carolina's standard remained in effect. Based on current COVID-19 trends, including the significant decline in COVID-related hospitalizations and daily case counts, NCDOL repealed the Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare effective March 4, 2022. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on COVID-19 North Carolina Department of Labor FAQs (English) (Spanish) Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) FAQs Centers for Disease Control (CDC) FAQs A coronavirus is named for the crown-like spikes on its surface that are apparent when the virus is viewed under extreme magnification. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. There are four main sub-groupings of human coronaviruses: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. The gamma and delta coronaviruses do not cause known human disease. COVID-19 Hazard Overview Solutions Regulations Learn More Guidance by Industry Workers Who May Have Exposure Risk Despite the low risk of exposure in most job sectors, some workers in the United States may have exposure to infectious people, including travelers who contracted COVID-19 abroad. Workers with increased exposure risk include those involved in: Healthcare (including pre-hospital and medical transport workers, healthcare providers, long-term care workers, pharmacies, and support staff) Dentistry Emergency response and public safety Postmortem care (including coroners, medical examiners and funeral directors) Laboratories (clinical and research laboratory personnel) Airline operations Meat and poultry processing Border protection and transportation security Correctional facilities Retail operations What can I do to protect myself and others? Engineering, Administrative and Work Practice Controls. Follow established work procedures for infection control. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid close contact with people that are sick. Maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from other people. Wear a cloth face covering, especially when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue or elbow, Throw tissue in trash, do not reuse. Clean and disinfect work areas frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Employees who believe they are infected with 2019 nCoV are encouraged to self-quarantine at home to prevent infecting others. Personal Protective Equipment. Employees in certain higher risk occupational settings are especially encouraged to use respirators that afford the level of protection of an N95 filtering facepiece respirator or better. Where respirator use is required, the employer must implement an effective respiratory protection program including, but not limited to, medical evaluation and fit testing. In addition, use and properly maintain all provided personal protective equipment for work-related tasks having exposure(s). What resources are available to assist employers? Training and Outreach Services Presentations on a variety of topics associated with exposure to 2019 nCoV are available to assist employers in training their staff. These include COVID-19 - basic training, COVID-19 - construction, COVID-19 - food processing, COVID-19 - institutions of higher education, COVID-19 - manufacturing, COVID-19 - retail, bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including ones on COVID-19) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC). Safety and Health Programs Example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. Safety and health programs relative to 2019 nCoV include COVID-19 preparedness and response plan for low and medium risk employers, bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, hazard communication program, personal protective hazard assessment and respiratory protection program. A- Z Safety and Health Topics More information related to the 2019 novel coronavirus can be found on the A-Z topics pages for hazard communication, personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens and respiratory protection. Consultation Services The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards. Which standards apply? The OSH Division has adopted the following standards which are, or may be, applicable to occupational exposure to COVID-19 in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. General Industry 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I: personal protective equipment 29 CFR 1910.132: general requirements 29 CFR 1910.133: eye and face protection 29 CFR 1910.134: respiratory protection 29 CFR 1910.138: hand protection 29 CFR 1910 Subpart J: general environmental controls 29 CFR 1910.141: sanitation 29 CFR 1910.145: specifications for accident prevention signs and tags 29 CFR 1910 Subpart U: COVID-19 emergency temporary standard 29 CFR 1910.502: healthcare 29 CFR 1910.504: mini respiratory protection program 29 CFR 1910.509: incorporation by reference Note: NCDOL repealed the ETS for Healthcare effective March 4, 2022. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z: toxic and hazardous substances 29 CFR 1910.1020: access to employee exposure and medical records 29 CFR 1910.1030: bloodborne pathogens 29 CFR 1910.1200: hazard communication Recordkeeping 29 CFR Part 1904: recordkeeping 29 CFR 1904.39: reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye as a result of work-related incidents to OSHA General Duty Clause NCGS 95-129(1): General Duty Clause, Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina Other Applicable Standards The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to this topic. Where can I learn more? OSH Compliance Documents Emergency temporary standard; OSH Compliance Direction: CPL 02 (DIR 2021-02) - Inspection Procedures for the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard Migrant housing: ASH Temporary Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Guidance on Migrant Housing for COVID-19 Impacted Workers OSH Fact Sheets Fact Sheet: Facemasks vs. Respirators OSH Hazard Considerations for Employers on Face Coverings, Masks and Respirator Choices OSH Hazard/Guidance Alerts ASH Guidance Alert: Farmworkers and COVID-19 OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Food Processing OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 - Review of the Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers OSH Hazard Alert: Controlling Exposures to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus OSH Hazard Alert: Dealing with COVID-19 in Construction OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory Protection for Long-Term Care Workers OSH Industry Guides Industry Guide 48—OSHA Construction Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 49—OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 50—OSHA Agriculture Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 53—OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 54—OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Technical Assistance If you would like to receive interpretive guidance on this or any other OSH standard or topic, you can submit your questions using the Ask OSH web form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov or by calling 919-707-7876. Note: The guidance provided below are not standards or regulations, and they create no new legal obligations. They contain recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. These recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by the the North Carolina Department of Labor. In addition, the General Duty Clause, North Carolina General Statute 95-129(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. All Industries OSHA Safety & Health Topics: COVID-19, Novel Coronavirus N.C. Department of Health and Human Resources, Division of Public Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Centers for Disease Control: Coronavirus Disease-2019 OSHA Guidance: Guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace OSHA Hazard Recognition (COVID-19) OSHA Alert for preventing worker exposure to COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Fact Sheet on protecting workers during a pandemic OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 control and prevention OSHA Alert on ventilation in the workplace OSHA Guidance on the use of cloth face coverings while working outdoors in hot and humid conditions OSHA Guidance on the use of cloth face coverings while working indoors in hot and humid conditions CDC Guidance on COVID-19 quarantine and isolation CDC Guidance for managing workforce fatigue during COVID-19 CDC Guidance on workplace COVID-19 prevention strategies CDC Guidance on cleaning and disinfecting your facility CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance on cleaning and disinfection for non-emergency transport vehicles CDC Guidance on re-opening buildings after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely Environmental Protection Association: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) Agriculture NC ASH Guidance Alert for farm workers NC ASH Temporary Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Guidance on Migrant Housing for COVID-19 Impacted Workers NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for migrant farm workers and their employees (Spanish) CDC: Additional considerations for workers who reside in communal living arrangements AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets Airline operations OSHA Guidance for airline workers and employers CDC Guidance for airline operations Automotive industry OSHA Guidance (Poster) on steps to protect automotive service workers from exposure to coronavirus (Spanish) Bars AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the bar industry Border protection and transportation security OSHA Guidance on border protection and transportation security Business services (i.e., banks, notaries, title companies) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for business services (i.e., banks, notaries, title companies) Childcare centers CDC Guidance for childcare programs that remain open CDC Guidance for schools and childcare NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Community settings CDC Guidance for community, work and school CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings Construction NC OSH Hazard Alert: Dealing with COVID-19 in Construction OSHA Guidance Alert for the construction workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for construction work AIHA: Returning to work: construction environment (Spanish) AIHA: Focus on construction health: COVID-19 Correctional and detention facilities CDC Guidance for correctional and detention facilities NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for correctional facilities Day care and day camps NC DHHS Interim Guidance for adult day care/adult day health programs NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare CDC Guidance for schools, childcare and colleges CDC Guidance for operating early care and education/child care programs CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Dentistry OSHA Guidance for dentistry workers and employers OSHA Guidance Alert for dental practitioners (Spanish) CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic AIHA: Reopening Guidance for dental settings Emergency response and public safety OSHA Guidance for emergency response workers and employers CDC Guidance for first responders CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic AIHA: Proper Use of Respirators for Healthcare Workers and First Responders Entertainment venues (i.e., movie theatres, arcades, museums, wine tastings, bowling alleys, pool halls, batting cages) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small and medium sports and entertainment venues AIHA: Reopening Guidance for museums and collecting institutions CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings Environmental services (i.e., janitorial) OSHA Guidance for environmental services workers and employers Food pantries and food distribution sites CDC Considerations for food pantries and food distribution sites Food processing Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Employee health and food safety checklist for human and animal food operations during the COVID-19 pandemic NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for food processing Food trucks OSHA Guidance Alert for food truck workers (Spanish) Gyms and workout facilities AIHA: Reopening Guidance for gyms and workout facilities (Spanish) Hair and nail salons OSHA Guidance Alert for hair and nail salon workers (Spanish) Handlers of service and therapy animals CDC Guidance for handlers of service and therapy animals Healthcare (including pre-hospital and medical transport workers, healthcare providers, and support staff) OSHA Guidance for healthcare workers and employers CDC Guidance for blood and plasma facilities CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance for infection prevention and control for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in outpatient hemodialysis facilities NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 - Review of the Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for healthcare AIHA: Proper Use of Respirators for Healthcare Workers and First Responders In-home repair OSHA Guidance for in-home repair services AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small manufacturing, repair and maintenance shops AIHA: Reopening Guidance for at-home service providers (Spanish) Laboratories (clinical and research laboratory personnel) OSHA Guidance for laboratory workers and employers CDC Guidance for laboratories CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for laboratories Libraries AIHA: Reopening Guidance for libraries Lodging (i.e., small hotels, bed and breakfast, inns) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small lodging establishments NC DHHS Guidance for hotels providing isolation and quarantine housing Long-term care OSHA Guidance Alert for nursing home and long-term care facility workers (Spanish) OSHA Respiratory Protection Guidance for the employers of those working in nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic NC OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory protection for long-term care workers CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for long term care Maintenance OSHA Guidance for in-home repair services AIHA Guidance: Recovering from COVID-19 building closures AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small manufacturing, repair and maintenance shops AIHA: Effective and safe practices, guidance for custodians, cleaning and maintenance staff Manufacturing industry OSHA Guidance Alert for manufacturing industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) CDC/OSHA Interim Guidance: Review of manufacturing workers and employers CDC Guidance: Manufacturing facilities, key strategies to prevent COVID-19 infection among employees AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small manufacturing, repair and maintenance shops AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry Meat and poultry processing OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Food Processing NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) Museums AIHA: Reopening Guidance for museums and collecting institutions Office settings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for general office settings (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for business services (i.e., banks, notaries, title companies) Nursing homes OSHA Guidance Alert for nursing home and long-term care facility workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for long term care NC OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory protection for long-term care workers Oil and gas OSHA Guidance for oil and gas industry workers and employers Package delivery OSHA Guidance for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry Parks and recreation CDC Guidance for activities and gatherings CDC Guidance for community, work and school Pharmacies CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance for pharmacies OSHA Guidance for retail pharmacies (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic and massage AIHA: Reopening Guidance for physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic and massage Postmortem care (including coroners, medical examiners and funeral directors) OSHA Guidance for postmortem care workers and employers CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic Restaurants, bars and beverage vendors OSHA Guidance for restaurants and beverage vendors offering takeout and curbside pickup (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for restaurants resuming dine-in service AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the restaurant industry (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the bar industry AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets Retail operations OSHA Guidance Alert for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers in critical high customer volume environments NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) Retirement communities CDC Guidance for retirement and shared housing Salons, parlors, massage and personal care AIHA: Reopening Guidance for hair and nail salons (Spanish) Schools and universities CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools CDC Guidance for schools, childcare and colleges CDC Guidance: Strategies for protecting K-12 school staff from COVID-19 CDC Guidance: Considerations for institutions of higher education CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) AIHA Reopening Guidance for institutions of higher education AIHA Reopening Guidance for schools (K-12) AIHA: Effective and safe practices, guidance for custodians, cleaning and maintenance staff Shelters NC DHHS: Non-congregate sheltering Shopping centers and malls AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers in critical high customer volume environments OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers Sports programs and venues AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small and medium sports and entertainment venues CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Street vendors and food trucks AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets OSHA Guidance Alert for food truck workers Tattoo parlors CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic Transportation, transit systems and delivery OSHA Guidance Alert for rideshare, taxi, and car service workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for airline workers and employers OSHA Guidance on border protection and transportation security AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry AIHA: Reopening Guidance for rideshare, taxi, limo, and other passenger drivers-for-hire (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for transit systems (buses, subways, and light rails) Veterinarians CDC Guidance: interim infection prevention and control guidance for veterinary clinics treating companions animals during the COVID-19 response Warehouse and logistics industry AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Worship and religious services CDC Guidance for activities and gatherings CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for worship services and religious gatherings
COVID-19 Federal OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS On January 13, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion on federal OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing and Face Coverings Emergency Temporary Standard, published on November 5, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 61402) ("ETS"). In the opinion, the Court indicated that the federal government lacked the statutory authority to impose the mandate. You can review this ruling on the U.S. Supreme Court webpage. More information on this ruling can also be found on federal OSHA's webpage. New! On January 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced they were withdrawing the vaccination and testing emergency standard issued on November 5, 2021, They indicated the withdrawal is effective January 26, 2022. OSHA indicated that although they are withdrawing the vaccination and testing ETS as an enforceable emergency temporary standard, the agency is not withdrawing the ETS as a proposed rule. The agency is prioritizing its resources to focus on finalizing a permanent COVID-19 Healthcare standard. For more information, please refer to OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS webpage and Federal Register Notice. North Carolina had not previously adopted federal OSHA's ETS standard for vaccination and testing. Federal OSHA's decision to withdraw the rule means that no further review or action will take place in North Carolina. Federal OSHA's COVID-19 ETS for Healthcare New! North Carolina adopted verbatim the federal OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare with an effective date of July 21, 2021. While the federal standard [Except the recordkeeping provisions of 29 CFR 1910.502(q)(2)(ii), (q)(3)(ii)-(iv), and (r)] expired on December 21, 2021, North Carolina's standard remained in effect. Based on current COVID-19 trends, including the significant decline in COVID-related hospitalizations and daily case counts, NCDOL repealed the Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare effective March 4, 2022. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on COVID-19 North Carolina Department of Labor FAQs (English) (Spanish) Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) FAQs Centers for Disease Control (CDC) FAQs A coronavirus is named for the crown-like spikes on its surface that are apparent when the virus is viewed under extreme magnification. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. There are four main sub-groupings of human coronaviruses: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. The gamma and delta coronaviruses do not cause known human disease. COVID-19 Hazard Overview Solutions Regulations Learn More Guidance by Industry Workers Who May Have Exposure Risk Despite the low risk of exposure in most job sectors, some workers in the United States may have exposure to infectious people, including travelers who contracted COVID-19 abroad. Workers with increased exposure risk include those involved in: Healthcare (including pre-hospital and medical transport workers, healthcare providers, long-term care workers, pharmacies, and support staff) Dentistry Emergency response and public safety Postmortem care (including coroners, medical examiners and funeral directors) Laboratories (clinical and research laboratory personnel) Airline operations Meat and poultry processing Border protection and transportation security Correctional facilities Retail operations What can I do to protect myself and others? Engineering, Administrative and Work Practice Controls. Follow established work procedures for infection control. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid close contact with people that are sick. Maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from other people. Wear a cloth face covering, especially when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue or elbow, Throw tissue in trash, do not reuse. Clean and disinfect work areas frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Employees who believe they are infected with 2019 nCoV are encouraged to self-quarantine at home to prevent infecting others. Personal Protective Equipment. Employees in certain higher risk occupational settings are especially encouraged to use respirators that afford the level of protection of an N95 filtering facepiece respirator or better. Where respirator use is required, the employer must implement an effective respiratory protection program including, but not limited to, medical evaluation and fit testing. In addition, use and properly maintain all provided personal protective equipment for work-related tasks having exposure(s). What resources are available to assist employers? Training and Outreach Services Presentations on a variety of topics associated with exposure to 2019 nCoV are available to assist employers in training their staff. These include COVID-19 - basic training, COVID-19 - construction, COVID-19 - food processing, COVID-19 - institutions of higher education, COVID-19 - manufacturing, COVID-19 - retail, bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including ones on COVID-19) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC). Safety and Health Programs Example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. Safety and health programs relative to 2019 nCoV include COVID-19 preparedness and response plan for low and medium risk employers, bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, hazard communication program, personal protective hazard assessment and respiratory protection program. A- Z Safety and Health Topics More information related to the 2019 novel coronavirus can be found on the A-Z topics pages for hazard communication, personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens and respiratory protection. Consultation Services The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards. Which standards apply? The OSH Division has adopted the following standards which are, or may be, applicable to occupational exposure to COVID-19 in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. General Industry 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I: personal protective equipment 29 CFR 1910.132: general requirements 29 CFR 1910.133: eye and face protection 29 CFR 1910.134: respiratory protection 29 CFR 1910.138: hand protection 29 CFR 1910 Subpart J: general environmental controls 29 CFR 1910.141: sanitation 29 CFR 1910.145: specifications for accident prevention signs and tags 29 CFR 1910 Subpart U: COVID-19 emergency temporary standard 29 CFR 1910.502: healthcare 29 CFR 1910.504: mini respiratory protection program 29 CFR 1910.509: incorporation by reference Note: NCDOL repealed the ETS for Healthcare effective March 4, 2022. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z: toxic and hazardous substances 29 CFR 1910.1020: access to employee exposure and medical records 29 CFR 1910.1030: bloodborne pathogens 29 CFR 1910.1200: hazard communication Recordkeeping 29 CFR Part 1904: recordkeeping 29 CFR 1904.39: reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye as a result of work-related incidents to OSHA General Duty Clause NCGS 95-129(1): General Duty Clause, Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina Other Applicable Standards The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to this topic. Where can I learn more? OSH Compliance Documents Emergency temporary standard; OSH Compliance Direction: CPL 02 (DIR 2021-02) - Inspection Procedures for the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard Migrant housing: ASH Temporary Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Guidance on Migrant Housing for COVID-19 Impacted Workers OSH Fact Sheets Fact Sheet: Facemasks vs. Respirators OSH Hazard Considerations for Employers on Face Coverings, Masks and Respirator Choices OSH Hazard/Guidance Alerts ASH Guidance Alert: Farmworkers and COVID-19 OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Food Processing OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 - Review of the Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers OSH Hazard Alert: Controlling Exposures to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus OSH Hazard Alert: Dealing with COVID-19 in Construction OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory Protection for Long-Term Care Workers OSH Industry Guides Industry Guide 48—OSHA Construction Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 49—OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 50—OSHA Agriculture Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 53—OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Industry Guide 54—OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to COVID-19. Technical Assistance If you would like to receive interpretive guidance on this or any other OSH standard or topic, you can submit your questions using the Ask OSH web form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov or by calling 919-707-7876. Note: The guidance provided below are not standards or regulations, and they create no new legal obligations. They contain recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. These recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by the the North Carolina Department of Labor. In addition, the General Duty Clause, North Carolina General Statute 95-129(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. All Industries OSHA Safety & Health Topics: COVID-19, Novel Coronavirus N.C. Department of Health and Human Resources, Division of Public Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Centers for Disease Control: Coronavirus Disease-2019 OSHA Guidance: Guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace OSHA Hazard Recognition (COVID-19) OSHA Alert for preventing worker exposure to COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Fact Sheet on protecting workers during a pandemic OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 control and prevention OSHA Alert on ventilation in the workplace OSHA Guidance on the use of cloth face coverings while working outdoors in hot and humid conditions OSHA Guidance on the use of cloth face coverings while working indoors in hot and humid conditions CDC Guidance on COVID-19 quarantine and isolation CDC Guidance for managing workforce fatigue during COVID-19 CDC Guidance on workplace COVID-19 prevention strategies CDC Guidance on cleaning and disinfecting your facility CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance on cleaning and disinfection for non-emergency transport vehicles CDC Guidance on re-opening buildings after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely Environmental Protection Association: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) Agriculture NC ASH Guidance Alert for farm workers NC ASH Temporary Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Guidance on Migrant Housing for COVID-19 Impacted Workers NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for migrant farm workers and their employees (Spanish) CDC: Additional considerations for workers who reside in communal living arrangements AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets Airline operations OSHA Guidance for airline workers and employers CDC Guidance for airline operations Automotive industry OSHA Guidance (Poster) on steps to protect automotive service workers from exposure to coronavirus (Spanish) Bars AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the bar industry Border protection and transportation security OSHA Guidance on border protection and transportation security Business services (i.e., banks, notaries, title companies) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for business services (i.e., banks, notaries, title companies) Childcare centers CDC Guidance for childcare programs that remain open CDC Guidance for schools and childcare NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Community settings CDC Guidance for community, work and school CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings Construction NC OSH Hazard Alert: Dealing with COVID-19 in Construction OSHA Guidance Alert for the construction workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for construction work AIHA: Returning to work: construction environment (Spanish) AIHA: Focus on construction health: COVID-19 Correctional and detention facilities CDC Guidance for correctional and detention facilities NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for correctional facilities Day care and day camps NC DHHS Interim Guidance for adult day care/adult day health programs NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare CDC Guidance for schools, childcare and colleges CDC Guidance for operating early care and education/child care programs CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Dentistry OSHA Guidance for dentistry workers and employers OSHA Guidance Alert for dental practitioners (Spanish) CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic AIHA: Reopening Guidance for dental settings Emergency response and public safety OSHA Guidance for emergency response workers and employers CDC Guidance for first responders CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic AIHA: Proper Use of Respirators for Healthcare Workers and First Responders Entertainment venues (i.e., movie theatres, arcades, museums, wine tastings, bowling alleys, pool halls, batting cages) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small and medium sports and entertainment venues AIHA: Reopening Guidance for museums and collecting institutions CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings Environmental services (i.e., janitorial) OSHA Guidance for environmental services workers and employers Food pantries and food distribution sites CDC Considerations for food pantries and food distribution sites Food processing Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Employee health and food safety checklist for human and animal food operations during the COVID-19 pandemic NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for food processing Food trucks OSHA Guidance Alert for food truck workers (Spanish) Gyms and workout facilities AIHA: Reopening Guidance for gyms and workout facilities (Spanish) Hair and nail salons OSHA Guidance Alert for hair and nail salon workers (Spanish) Handlers of service and therapy animals CDC Guidance for handlers of service and therapy animals Healthcare (including pre-hospital and medical transport workers, healthcare providers, and support staff) OSHA Guidance for healthcare workers and employers CDC Guidance for blood and plasma facilities CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance for infection prevention and control for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in outpatient hemodialysis facilities NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 - Review of the Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for healthcare AIHA: Proper Use of Respirators for Healthcare Workers and First Responders In-home repair OSHA Guidance for in-home repair services AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small manufacturing, repair and maintenance shops AIHA: Reopening Guidance for at-home service providers (Spanish) Laboratories (clinical and research laboratory personnel) OSHA Guidance for laboratory workers and employers CDC Guidance for laboratories CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for laboratories Libraries AIHA: Reopening Guidance for libraries Lodging (i.e., small hotels, bed and breakfast, inns) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small lodging establishments NC DHHS Guidance for hotels providing isolation and quarantine housing Long-term care OSHA Guidance Alert for nursing home and long-term care facility workers (Spanish) OSHA Respiratory Protection Guidance for the employers of those working in nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic NC OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory protection for long-term care workers CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for long term care Maintenance OSHA Guidance for in-home repair services AIHA Guidance: Recovering from COVID-19 building closures AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small manufacturing, repair and maintenance shops AIHA: Effective and safe practices, guidance for custodians, cleaning and maintenance staff Manufacturing industry OSHA Guidance Alert for manufacturing industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) CDC/OSHA Interim Guidance: Review of manufacturing workers and employers CDC Guidance: Manufacturing facilities, key strategies to prevent COVID-19 infection among employees AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small manufacturing, repair and maintenance shops AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry Meat and poultry processing OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Food Processing NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) Museums AIHA: Reopening Guidance for museums and collecting institutions Office settings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for general office settings (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for business services (i.e., banks, notaries, title companies) Nursing homes OSHA Guidance Alert for nursing home and long-term care facility workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for long term care NC OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory protection for long-term care workers Oil and gas OSHA Guidance for oil and gas industry workers and employers Package delivery OSHA Guidance for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry Parks and recreation CDC Guidance for activities and gatherings CDC Guidance for community, work and school Pharmacies CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance for pharmacies OSHA Guidance for retail pharmacies (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic and massage AIHA: Reopening Guidance for physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic and massage Postmortem care (including coroners, medical examiners and funeral directors) OSHA Guidance for postmortem care workers and employers CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic Restaurants, bars and beverage vendors OSHA Guidance for restaurants and beverage vendors offering takeout and curbside pickup (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for restaurants resuming dine-in service AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the restaurant industry (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the bar industry AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets Retail operations OSHA Guidance Alert for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers in critical high customer volume environments NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) Retirement communities CDC Guidance for retirement and shared housing Salons, parlors, massage and personal care AIHA: Reopening Guidance for hair and nail salons (Spanish) Schools and universities CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools CDC Guidance for schools, childcare and colleges CDC Guidance: Strategies for protecting K-12 school staff from COVID-19 CDC Guidance: Considerations for institutions of higher education CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) AIHA Reopening Guidance for institutions of higher education AIHA Reopening Guidance for schools (K-12) AIHA: Effective and safe practices, guidance for custodians, cleaning and maintenance staff Shelters NC DHHS: Non-congregate sheltering Shopping centers and malls AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers in critical high customer volume environments OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers Sports programs and venues AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small and medium sports and entertainment venues CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Street vendors and food trucks AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets OSHA Guidance Alert for food truck workers Tattoo parlors CDC Guidance for interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic Transportation, transit systems and delivery OSHA Guidance Alert for rideshare, taxi, and car service workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for airline workers and employers OSHA Guidance on border protection and transportation security AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry AIHA: Reopening Guidance for rideshare, taxi, limo, and other passenger drivers-for-hire (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for transit systems (buses, subways, and light rails) Veterinarians CDC Guidance: interim infection prevention and control guidance for veterinary clinics treating companions animals during the COVID-19 response Warehouse and logistics industry AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry OSHA Guidance Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Worship and religious services CDC Guidance for activities and gatherings CDC Guidance for small and large gatherings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for worship services and religious gatherings
