COVID-19 Note: On November 12, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion to stay OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard, published on November 5, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 61402) ("ETS"). The court ordered that OSHA "take no steps to implement or enforce" the ETS "until further court order." Federal OSHA has suspended activities related to the implementation and enforcement of the ETS pending future developments in the litigation. You can obtain more information on the Vaccination and Testing ETS on federal OSHA'S website. As a state plan, North Carolina will continue to monitor developments in the ETS litigation. As more information becomes available, this webpage will be be updated accordingly. Verbatim Adoption North Carolina adopted verbatim the Federal OSHA ETS for Healthcare with an effective date of July 21, 2021 in North Carolina. On July 21, employers that need to comply with the standard will need to comply with all provisions on the effective date except paragraphs 29 CFR 1910.502 (i) - physical barriers, (k) - ventilation and (n) - training. These three paragraphs are effective in North Carolina on August 5, 2021. To identify whether the new ETS for Healthcare applies to you, please watch our COVID-19 ETS video and then go to our Which Standards Apply webpage for Subpart U - COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard for further guidance. Additional information on the ETS can also be found on Federal OSHA's COVID-19 Healthcare ETS webpage along with the updated guidance for all industries. 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 Guidance by Topic 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 Solid waste and wastewater management Border protection and transportation security Correctional facilities In-home repair Retail operations Environmental services (i.e., janitorial) Business travelers 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 Emergency Temporary Standard (Short), COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (Long), COVID-19 employee training (i.e., basic, construction, manufacturing, retail), COVID-19 ETS Mini Respiratory Protection Program (Employee Training), COVID-19 ETS - Healthcare (Employee Training), bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. 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, webinars, classroom) upon request. In addition, there are OSH pre-recorded webinars available to assist with employee training such as COVID-19, respiratory protection, personal protective equipment, and hazard communication. Federal OSHA also has a pre-recorded video on the ETS. 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 Plan for the ETS, 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 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 Enforcement Memorandum; Enforcement Delay-Certain Provisions of the Emergency Temporary Standard on Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 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 Other Resources OSHA Safety & Health Topics: COVID-19, Novel Coronavirus OSHA COVID-19: Various Publications for all industries (various languages) N.C. State Government; COVID-19 Executive Orders N.C. Department of Health and Human Resources, Division of Public Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Environmental Protection Association: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) Centers for Disease Control: Coronavirus Disease-2019 American Industrial Hygienists Association: AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely (i.e., salons, libraries, restaurants, bars, repair shops, malls, theatres, banks, notaries, sports, street vendors, gyms, hotels, venues, warehouses, worship services) 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 Guidance for all industries New! OSHA Hazard Recognition for COVID-19 OSHA Guidance for protecting workers: guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace OSHA Guidance for preventing worker exposure to COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on protecting workers during a pandemic OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 control and prevention OSHA Guidance 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 OSHA Guidance on cloth face coverings (FAQs) CDC Guidance for managing workforce fatigue during COVID-19 CDC Guidance on implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 CDC Guidance for a communication plan for non-healthcare critical infrastructure employers CDC Guidance on cleaning and disinfecting your facility CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance on disinfecting vehicles CDC Guidance on re-opening buildings after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation AIHA: Workplace cleaning for COVID-19 AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely AIHA Guidance: Recovering from COVID-19 building closures NC DHHS Phase 3 Guidance (i.e., large venues, museums, indoor fitness) NC - Guidance on opening the State (Spanish) Agriculture NC ASH Guidance 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) NC DHHS: A Grower's Guide - identifying safe housing for farmworkers CDC/USDOL: Interim Guidance for agriculture workers and employers CDC: Agricultural employer checklist for creating a COVID-19 assessment and control plan 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 operations OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for airline operations CDC Guidance for airline catering truck drivers CDC Guidance for aircraft maintenance workers CDC Guidance for airline customer service representatives and gate agents CDC Guidance for airport custodial staff CDC Guidance: What maritime pilots need to know about COVID-19 Automotive industry OSHA Guidance on steps to protect automotive service workers from exposure to coronavirus (Spanish) Banks CDC Guidance: Employer information for banks CDC Guidance: What bank employees need to know about COVID-19 Bars AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the bar industry CDC Guidance for restaurants and bars OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for bars and outdoor seating areas in bars (Spanish) Beauty salons and barbershops CDC Fact Sheets: What beauty salon and barbershop employees need to know about COVID-19 CDC Fact Sheets: COVID-19 employer information for beauty salons and barbershops 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) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for businesses and organizations (Spanish) Business travelers OSHA Guidance for business travelers Childcare centers CDC Guidance for childcare programs that remain open CDC Guidance for schools and childcare NC DHHS Interim Guidance for childcare settings (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Community settings CDC Guidance: Recommendations for election polling locations CDC Guidance: Get your mass gatherings or large community events ready CDC Guidance for community and faith-based organizations CDC Guidance for cleaning homeless shelters CDC Guidance for homeless and meal service providers CDC Guidance for event planning Construction NC OSH Hazard Alert: Dealing with COVID-19 in Construction OSHA Guidance for the construction workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for construction work AIHA: Returning to work: construction environment (Spanish) AIHA: Focus on construction health: COVID-19 CDC Guidance: What construction workers need to know about COVID-19 NC DHHS Interim Guidance for construction settings (Spanish) Correctional and detention facilities OSHA Guidance for correctional facilities OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for correctional facilities NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for correctional facilities Day care and day camps NC DHHS Interim Guidance for day camp or program settings NC DHHS Interim Guidance for childcare settings (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for adult day care/adult day health programs NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare NC DHHS Interim Guidance for meeting rooms and event spaces CDC Guidance for schools and childcare CDC Guidance for childcare programs that remain open CDC Guidance for event planning AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Dentistry OSHA Guidance for dentistry OSHA Guidance for dental practitioners (Spanish) CDC Guidance for dentistry CDC Guidance for infection control AIHA: Reopening Guidance for dental settings Emergency response and public safety OSHA Guidance for emergency services CDC Guidance for emergency services CDC Guidance: What law enforcement personnel need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (FAQs) CDC Guidance: What fire fighters and EMS providers need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (FAQs) CDC Guidance for infection control NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for law enforcement 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 OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for event planning NC DHHS Interim Guidance for museums and aquariums NC DHHS Interim Guidance for movie theaters and indoor gaming (Spanish) Environmental services (i.e., janitorial) OSHA Guidance for environmental services CDC Guidance for airport custodial staff 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 OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA/CDC Guidance for meat and poultry processing CDC: Meat and poultry processing facility assessment toolkit Food trucks OSHA Guidance for food truck workers (Spanish) Funeral homes CDC Guidance for funeral home workers CDC Guidance for event planning Gyms and workout facilities AIHA: Reopening Guidance for gyms and workout facilities (Spanish) CDC Guidance for gym and fitness center employees NC DHHS Interim Guidance for indoor fitness centers and gym settings Hair and nail salons AIHA: Reopening Guidance for hair and nail salons (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for hair and nail salon workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for salon, massage and personal care business settings (Spanish) CDC Guidance: What nail salon employees need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: Employer information for nail salons CDC Fact Sheets: What beauty salon and barbershop employees need to know about COVID-19 CDC Fact Sheets: COVID-19 employer information for beauty salons and barbershops 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 OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for healthcare CDC Guidance for blood and plasma facilities CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance for dialysis 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 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 laboratories CDC Guidance for laboratories CDC Guidance for infection control 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 CDC Guidance for event planning CDC Guidance: What hotel, resort and lodge workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for hotels, resorts and lodges Long-term care OSHA Guidance 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 infection control NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for long term care Maintenance OSHA Guidance for in-home repair CDC Guidance for aircraft maintenance workers CDC Guidance for transit maintenance workers 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 for manufacturing industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) New! 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/CDC Guidance for meat and poultry processing OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) 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 NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) New! CDC: Meat and poultry processing facility assessment toolkit Mining CDC Guidance: COVID-19 and Mining Museums AIHA: Reopening Guidance for museums and collecting institutions NC DHHS Guidance for museums and aquariums (Spanish) 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 for nursing home and long-term care facility workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for infection control 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 CDC Guidance: What offshore oil and gas workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for offshore oil and gas Package delivery OSHA Guidance for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for mail and parcel delivery AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry Paratransit CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for paratransit operators CDC Guidance: What paratransit operators need to know about COVID-19 Parks and recreation CDC Guidance for parks and recreation CDC Guidance for administrators in parks and recreational facilities CDC Guidance for event planning CDC Considerations for public pools, hot bus and water playgrounds during COVID-19 CDC Considerations for traveling amusement parks and carnivals NC DHHS Interim Guidance for amusement parks (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for fall-related events NC DHHS Interim Guidance for public pools and spas NC DHHS Interim Guidance for overnight camp settings NC DHHS Interim Guidance for day camp or program settings Pharmacies CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance for pharmacies OSHA Guidance for retail pharmacies (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for pharmacies 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 CDC Guidance for postmortem care CDC Guidance for infection control Public health inspectors CDC Guidance for public health employers Restaurants, bars and beverage vendors OSHA Guidance for restaurants and beverage vendors offering takeout and curbside pickup (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for restaurants resuming dine-in service CDC Guidance for food and grocery food and pickup drivers CDC Guidance for restaurants and bars (decision tool) CDC Guidance: considerations for restaurants and bars CDC Guidance for event planning CDC Guidance for limiting workplace violence associated with COVID-19 prevention policies in retail and services business NC DHHS Guidance for restaurants NC DHHS Interim Guidance for bars and outdoor seating areas in bars (Spanish) 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 for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance 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 NC DHHS Interim Guidance for retail AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) CDC Guidance for limiting workplace violence associated with COVID-19 prevention policies in retail and services business Retirement communities CDC Guidance for retirement communities CDC Guidance for event planning Salons, parlors, massage and personal care NC DHHS Interim Guidance for salon, massage and personal care business settings (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for tattoo business settings (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for hair and nail salons (Spanish) Schools and universities CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools New! CDC Guidance for schools and childcare CDC Guidance: Strategies for protecting K-12 school staff from COVID-19 CDC Guidance for colleges and universities CDC Guidance: Considerations for institutions of higher education CDC Guidance for event planning NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for schools NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for colleges and universities OSHA Guidance 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 Seafood processing CDC Guidance for protecting seafood processing workers CDC Checklist: Seafood processing worksites NC DHHS COVID-19: Guidance for employers for H2B seafood processors and housing providers (Spanish) Shelters NC DHHS: Non-congregate sheltering Shopping centers and malls NC DHHS Interim Guidance for retail AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers in critical high customer volume environments OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers Solid waste and wastewater management OSHA Guidance on solid waste and wastewater treatment CDC Guidance for waste collectors and recyclers Sports programs and venues NC DHHS: Interim Guidance for youth, college and amateur sports programs NC DHHS: Interim Guidance for very large outdoor venue settings NC DHHS: Interim Guidance for indoor and outdoor small and medium size venue settings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for amateur sports AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small and medium sports and entertainment venues CDC Guidance: Get your mass gatherings or large community events ready CDC Guidance: Considerations for youth sports CDC Guidance for event planning OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Street vendors and food trucks AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets OSHA Guidance for food truck workers Tattoo parlors NC DHHS Interim Guidance for tattoo business settings (Spanish) CDC Guidance for infection control Transportation, transit systems and delivery OSHA Guidance for rideshare, taxi, and car service workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for airline operations OSHA Guidance on border protection and transportation security CDC Guidance for long haul truck drivers CDC Guidance for rideshare, taxi, limo and other passenger drivers-for-hire CDC Guidance for bus transit operators CDC Guidance for rail transit operators CDC Guidance for mail and parcel delivery CDC Guidance for airline operations CDC Guidance for transit station workers (decision tool) CDC Guidance for transit maintenance workers 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) Utilities CDC Guidance: What utility workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for utility workers Veterinarians CDC Guidance for veterinarians CDC Guidance for infection control NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for veterinarians and animal services Warehouse and logistics industry CDC Guidance: What warehousing workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: Employer information for warehousing AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Waste management and recycling CDC Guidance for waste collectors and recyclers Worship and religious services CDC Guidance for community and faith-based organizations (FAQs) CDC Guidance for event planning NC DHHS Interim Guidance for places of worship and religious services AIHA: Reopening Guidance for worship services and religious gatherings 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. Cleaning and disinfecting CDC: COVID-19 Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting- (pdf) CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance on disinfecting vehicles EPA: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) AIHA: Workplace cleaning for COVID-19 AIHA: Employers guide to COVID-19 cleaning and disinfection in non-healthcare workplaces AIHA: Effective and safe practices, guidance for custodians, cleaning and maintenance staff NIOSH Guidance for hazard communication for disinfectants used against viruses Contact tracing CDC: Infographic tips on COVID-19 case investigation and contract tracing in non-healthcare workplaces CDC: Contact tracing for COVID-19 NC DHHS: Contact tracing for COVID-19 Employee prevention and protection OSHA Guidance for protecting workers: guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace (Spanish) New! OSHA Guidance for preventing worker exposure to COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on protecting workers during a pandemic OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 control and prevention CDC Guidance for managing workforce fatigue during COVID-19 CDC Guidance on implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 CDC Guidance for a communication plan for non-healthcare critical infrastructure employers Engineering controls AIHA: Reducing the risk of COVID-19 using engineering controls Executive orders in North Carolina COVID-19 Executive Orders (English and Spanish) Hazard recognition OSHA hazard recognition for COVID-19 OSHA worker exposure risk to COVID-19 Heat stress CDC Guidance: What workers need to know about heat stress prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance: Employer information for heat stress prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic Preparing workplaces OSHA Guidance for preparing workplaces for COVID-19 (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for businesses CDC Guidance for small business CDC Guidance on implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 CDC Guidance for businesses for COVID-19 Recordkeeping and reporting OSHA: Vaccine-Related OSHA: COVID-19 Reporting Reopening guidance CDC Guidance on re-opening buildings after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for office buildings CDC Guidance resuming business toolkit CDC: COVID-19 Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting (pdf) AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely AIHA Guidance: Recovering from COVID-19 building closures OSHA: Guidance for preparing workplaces for COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on returning to work (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on social distancing at work NC - Guidance on opening the State (Spanish) Respiratory protection (respirators, face coverings and masks) Fact Sheet: Facemasks vs. Respirators OSHA Guidance: Understanding compliance with OSHA’s respiratory protection standard during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic 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 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 OSHA Guidance on cloth face coverings (FAQs) OSHA's seven steps to correctly wear a respirator (Spanish) (Arabic) (Brazilian Portuguese) (Chinese) (French) (Hmong) (Korean) (Kunama) (Polish) (Russian) (Somali) (Tagalog) (Thai) (Vietnamese) OSHA's Guidance on religious exemptions from the respirator standard OSH hazard considerations for employers on face coverings, masks and respirator choices OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 - review of the respiratory protection for healthcare workers OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory protection for long-term care workers CDC Guidance: COVID-19 decontamination and reuse of filtering facepiece respirators using contingency and crisis capacity strategies AIHA: Proper use of respirators for healthcare workers and first responders Standards enforcement Emergency temporary standard: OSH Enforcement Memorandum; Enforcement Delay-Certain Provisions of the Emergency Temporary Standard on Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 Good faith efforts: OSH Temporary Enforcement Memorandum: Discretion in Enforcement when Considering an Employer's Good Faith Efforts During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Complaints and referrals: OSH Interim Enforcement Memorandum: Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently cited standards: OSHA Guidance on Common COVID-19 Citations: Helping Employers Better Protect Workers and Comply with OSHA Regulations Frequently cited standards: Lessons Learned: Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections Respirators: OSH Temporary Enforcement Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance on Decontamination of Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Healthcare During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Respirators: OSH Temporary Enforcement Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Enforcement Guidance - Healthcare Respiratory Protection Annual Fit-Testing for N95 Filtering Facepieces During the COVID-19 Outbreak Respirators: OSH Enforcement Guidance Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance for Respiratory Protection and the N95 Shortage Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Respirators: OSH Enforcement Guidance Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance For Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment Certified Under Standards of Other Countries or Jurisdictions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Respirators: OSH Interim Guidance Memorandum: Interim Guidance on COVID-19 Use of Filtering Facepiece Respirators After Their Expiration Date Respirators: OSH Expanded Temporary Enforcement Memorandum: Expanded Temporary Enforcement Guidance on Respiratory Protection Fit-Testing for N95 Filtering Facepieces in All Industries During the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic Recordkeeping: OSH Recordkeeping Enforcement Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Migrant housing: ASH Temporary Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Guidance on Migrant Housing for COVID-19 Impacted Workers Test sites NC DHHS, Division of Public Health: Test Sites Vaccines OSHA: Vaccine-Related DHHS: Find My Vaccine Ventilation OSHA Guidance on ventilation in the workplace
COVID-19 Note: On November 12, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a motion to stay OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard, published on November 5, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 61402) ("ETS"). The court ordered that OSHA "take no steps to implement or enforce" the ETS "until further court order." Federal OSHA has suspended activities related to the implementation and enforcement of the ETS pending future developments in the litigation. You can obtain more information on the Vaccination and Testing ETS on federal OSHA'S website. As a state plan, North Carolina will continue to monitor developments in the ETS litigation. As more information becomes available, this webpage will be be updated accordingly. Verbatim Adoption North Carolina adopted verbatim the Federal OSHA ETS for Healthcare with an effective date of July 21, 2021 in North Carolina. On July 21, employers that need to comply with the standard will need to comply with all provisions on the effective date except paragraphs 29 CFR 1910.502 (i) - physical barriers, (k) - ventilation and (n) - training. These three paragraphs are effective in North Carolina on August 5, 2021. To identify whether the new ETS for Healthcare applies to you, please watch our COVID-19 ETS video and then go to our Which Standards Apply webpage for Subpart U - COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard for further guidance. Additional information on the ETS can also be found on Federal OSHA's COVID-19 Healthcare ETS webpage along with the updated guidance for all industries. 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 Guidance by Topic 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 Solid waste and wastewater management Border protection and transportation security Correctional facilities In-home repair Retail operations Environmental services (i.e., janitorial) Business travelers 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 Emergency Temporary Standard (Short), COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (Long), COVID-19 employee training (i.e., basic, construction, manufacturing, retail), COVID-19 ETS Mini Respiratory Protection Program (Employee Training), COVID-19 ETS - Healthcare (Employee Training), bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. 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, webinars, classroom) upon request. In addition, there are OSH pre-recorded webinars available to assist with employee training such as COVID-19, respiratory protection, personal protective equipment, and hazard communication. Federal OSHA also has a pre-recorded video on the ETS. 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 Plan for the ETS, 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 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 Enforcement Memorandum; Enforcement Delay-Certain Provisions of the Emergency Temporary Standard on Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 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 Other Resources OSHA Safety & Health Topics: COVID-19, Novel Coronavirus OSHA COVID-19: Various Publications for all industries (various languages) N.C. State Government; COVID-19 Executive Orders N.C. Department of Health and Human Resources, Division of Public Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Environmental Protection Association: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) Centers for Disease Control: Coronavirus Disease-2019 American Industrial Hygienists Association: AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely (i.e., salons, libraries, restaurants, bars, repair shops, malls, theatres, banks, notaries, sports, street vendors, gyms, hotels, venues, warehouses, worship services) 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 Guidance for all industries New! OSHA Hazard Recognition for COVID-19 OSHA Guidance for protecting workers: guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace OSHA Guidance for preventing worker exposure to COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on protecting workers during a pandemic OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 control and prevention OSHA Guidance 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 OSHA Guidance on cloth face coverings (FAQs) CDC Guidance for managing workforce fatigue during COVID-19 CDC Guidance on implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 CDC Guidance for a communication plan for non-healthcare critical infrastructure employers CDC Guidance on cleaning and disinfecting your facility CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance on disinfecting vehicles CDC Guidance on re-opening buildings after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation AIHA: Workplace cleaning for COVID-19 AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely AIHA Guidance: Recovering from COVID-19 building closures NC DHHS Phase 3 Guidance (i.e., large venues, museums, indoor fitness) NC - Guidance on opening the State (Spanish) Agriculture NC ASH Guidance 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) NC DHHS: A Grower's Guide - identifying safe housing for farmworkers CDC/USDOL: Interim Guidance for agriculture workers and employers CDC: Agricultural employer checklist for creating a COVID-19 assessment and control plan 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 operations OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for airline operations CDC Guidance for airline catering truck drivers CDC Guidance for aircraft maintenance workers CDC Guidance for airline customer service representatives and gate agents CDC Guidance for airport custodial staff CDC Guidance: What maritime pilots need to know about COVID-19 Automotive industry OSHA Guidance on steps to protect automotive service workers from exposure to coronavirus (Spanish) Banks CDC Guidance: Employer information for banks CDC Guidance: What bank employees need to know about COVID-19 Bars AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the bar industry CDC Guidance for restaurants and bars OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for bars and outdoor seating areas in bars (Spanish) Beauty salons and barbershops CDC Fact Sheets: What beauty salon and barbershop employees need to know about COVID-19 CDC Fact Sheets: COVID-19 employer information for beauty salons and barbershops 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) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for businesses and organizations (Spanish) Business travelers OSHA Guidance for business travelers Childcare centers CDC Guidance for childcare programs that remain open CDC Guidance for schools and childcare NC DHHS Interim Guidance for childcare settings (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Community settings CDC Guidance: Recommendations for election polling locations CDC Guidance: Get your mass gatherings or large community events ready CDC Guidance for community and faith-based organizations CDC Guidance for cleaning homeless shelters CDC Guidance for homeless and meal service providers CDC Guidance for event planning Construction NC OSH Hazard Alert: Dealing with COVID-19 in Construction OSHA Guidance for the construction workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for construction work AIHA: Returning to work: construction environment (Spanish) AIHA: Focus on construction health: COVID-19 CDC Guidance: What construction workers need to know about COVID-19 NC DHHS Interim Guidance for construction settings (Spanish) Correctional and detention facilities OSHA Guidance for correctional facilities OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for correctional facilities NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for correctional facilities Day care and day camps NC DHHS Interim Guidance for day camp or program settings NC DHHS Interim Guidance for childcare settings (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for adult day care/adult day health programs NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for childcare NC DHHS Interim Guidance for meeting rooms and event spaces CDC Guidance for schools and childcare CDC Guidance for childcare programs that remain open CDC Guidance for event planning AIHA: Reopening Guidance for childcare centers Dentistry OSHA Guidance for dentistry OSHA Guidance for dental practitioners (Spanish) CDC Guidance for dentistry CDC Guidance for infection control AIHA: Reopening Guidance for dental settings Emergency response and public safety OSHA Guidance for emergency services CDC Guidance for emergency services CDC Guidance: What law enforcement personnel need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (FAQs) CDC Guidance: What fire fighters and EMS providers need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (FAQs) CDC Guidance for infection control NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for law enforcement 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 OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for event planning NC DHHS Interim Guidance for museums and aquariums NC DHHS Interim Guidance for movie theaters and indoor gaming (Spanish) Environmental services (i.e., janitorial) OSHA Guidance for environmental services CDC Guidance for airport custodial staff 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 OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA/CDC Guidance for meat and poultry processing CDC: Meat and poultry processing facility assessment toolkit Food trucks OSHA Guidance for food truck workers (Spanish) Funeral homes CDC Guidance for funeral home workers CDC Guidance for event planning Gyms and workout facilities AIHA: Reopening Guidance for gyms and workout facilities (Spanish) CDC Guidance for gym and fitness center employees NC DHHS Interim Guidance for indoor fitness centers and gym settings Hair and nail salons AIHA: Reopening Guidance for hair and nail salons (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for hair and nail salon workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for salon, massage and personal care business settings (Spanish) CDC Guidance: What nail salon employees need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: Employer information for nail salons CDC Fact Sheets: What beauty salon and barbershop employees need to know about COVID-19 CDC Fact Sheets: COVID-19 employer information for beauty salons and barbershops 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 OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for healthcare CDC Guidance for blood and plasma facilities CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance for dialysis 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 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 laboratories CDC Guidance for laboratories CDC Guidance for infection control 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 CDC Guidance for event planning CDC Guidance: What hotel, resort and lodge workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for hotels, resorts and lodges Long-term care OSHA Guidance 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 infection control NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for long term care Maintenance OSHA Guidance for in-home repair CDC Guidance for aircraft maintenance workers CDC Guidance for transit maintenance workers 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 for manufacturing industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) New! 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/CDC Guidance for meat and poultry processing OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) 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 NC DHHS Guidance for manufacturing, meat and poultry plants (Spanish) New! CDC: Meat and poultry processing facility assessment toolkit Mining CDC Guidance: COVID-19 and Mining Museums AIHA: Reopening Guidance for museums and collecting institutions NC DHHS Guidance for museums and aquariums (Spanish) 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 for nursing home and long-term care facility workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for infection control 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 CDC Guidance: What offshore oil and gas workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for offshore oil and gas Package delivery OSHA Guidance for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) CDC Guidance for mail and parcel delivery AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry Paratransit CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for paratransit operators CDC Guidance: What paratransit operators need to know about COVID-19 Parks and recreation CDC Guidance for parks and recreation CDC Guidance for administrators in parks and recreational facilities CDC Guidance for event planning CDC Considerations for public pools, hot bus and water playgrounds during COVID-19 CDC Considerations for traveling amusement parks and carnivals NC DHHS Interim Guidance for amusement parks (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for fall-related events NC DHHS Interim Guidance for public pools and spas NC DHHS Interim Guidance for overnight camp settings NC DHHS Interim Guidance for day camp or program settings Pharmacies CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance for pharmacies OSHA Guidance for retail pharmacies (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for pharmacies 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 CDC Guidance for postmortem care CDC Guidance for infection control Public health inspectors CDC Guidance for public health employers Restaurants, bars and beverage vendors OSHA Guidance for restaurants and beverage vendors offering takeout and curbside pickup (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for restaurants resuming dine-in service CDC Guidance for food and grocery food and pickup drivers CDC Guidance for restaurants and bars (decision tool) CDC Guidance: considerations for restaurants and bars CDC Guidance for event planning CDC Guidance for limiting workplace violence associated with COVID-19 prevention policies in retail and services business NC DHHS Guidance for restaurants NC DHHS Interim Guidance for bars and outdoor seating areas in bars (Spanish) 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 for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance 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 NC DHHS Interim Guidance for retail AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) CDC Guidance for limiting workplace violence associated with COVID-19 prevention policies in retail and services business Retirement communities CDC Guidance for retirement communities CDC Guidance for event planning Salons, parlors, massage and personal care NC DHHS Interim Guidance for salon, massage and personal care business settings (Spanish) NC DHHS Interim Guidance for tattoo business settings (Spanish) AIHA: Reopening Guidance for hair and nail salons (Spanish) Schools and universities CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools New! CDC Guidance for schools and childcare CDC Guidance: Strategies for protecting K-12 school staff from COVID-19 CDC Guidance for colleges and universities CDC Guidance: Considerations for institutions of higher education CDC Guidance for event planning NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for schools NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for colleges and universities OSHA Guidance 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 Seafood processing CDC Guidance for protecting seafood processing workers CDC Checklist: Seafood processing worksites NC DHHS COVID-19: Guidance for employers for H2B seafood processors and housing providers (Spanish) Shelters NC DHHS: Non-congregate sheltering Shopping centers and malls NC DHHS Interim Guidance for retail AIHA: Reopening Guidance for the retail industry (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for retail workers in critical high customer volume environments OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) NC OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Workers Solid waste and wastewater management OSHA Guidance on solid waste and wastewater treatment CDC Guidance for waste collectors and recyclers Sports programs and venues NC DHHS: Interim Guidance for youth, college and amateur sports programs NC DHHS: Interim Guidance for very large outdoor venue settings NC DHHS: Interim Guidance for indoor and outdoor small and medium size venue settings AIHA: Reopening Guidance for amateur sports AIHA: Reopening Guidance for small and medium sports and entertainment venues CDC Guidance: Get your mass gatherings or large community events ready CDC Guidance: Considerations for youth sports CDC Guidance for event planning OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Street vendors and food trucks AIHA: Reopening Guidance for street vendors and farmer's markets OSHA Guidance for food truck workers Tattoo parlors NC DHHS Interim Guidance for tattoo business settings (Spanish) CDC Guidance for infection control Transportation, transit systems and delivery OSHA Guidance for rideshare, taxi, and car service workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for the package delivery workforce (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) OSHA Guidance for airline operations OSHA Guidance on border protection and transportation security CDC Guidance for long haul truck drivers CDC Guidance for rideshare, taxi, limo and other passenger drivers-for-hire CDC Guidance for bus transit operators CDC Guidance for rail transit operators CDC Guidance for mail and parcel delivery CDC Guidance for airline operations CDC Guidance for transit station workers (decision tool) CDC Guidance for transit maintenance workers 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) Utilities CDC Guidance: What utility workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for utility workers Veterinarians CDC Guidance for veterinarians CDC Guidance for infection control NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for veterinarians and animal services Warehouse and logistics industry CDC Guidance: What warehousing workers need to know about COVID-19 CDC Guidance: Employer information for warehousing AIHA: Reopening Guidance for warehouse and logistics industry OSHA Guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers (Spanish) Waste management and recycling CDC Guidance for waste collectors and recyclers Worship and religious services CDC Guidance for community and faith-based organizations (FAQs) CDC Guidance for event planning NC DHHS Interim Guidance for places of worship and religious services AIHA: Reopening Guidance for worship services and religious gatherings 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. Cleaning and disinfecting CDC: COVID-19 Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting- (pdf) CDC Guidance for infection control CDC Guidance on disinfecting vehicles EPA: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) AIHA: Workplace cleaning for COVID-19 AIHA: Employers guide to COVID-19 cleaning and disinfection in non-healthcare workplaces AIHA: Effective and safe practices, guidance for custodians, cleaning and maintenance staff NIOSH Guidance for hazard communication for disinfectants used against viruses Contact tracing CDC: Infographic tips on COVID-19 case investigation and contract tracing in non-healthcare workplaces CDC: Contact tracing for COVID-19 NC DHHS: Contact tracing for COVID-19 Employee prevention and protection OSHA Guidance for protecting workers: guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace (Spanish) New! OSHA Guidance for preventing worker exposure to COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on protecting workers during a pandemic OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 control and prevention CDC Guidance for managing workforce fatigue during COVID-19 CDC Guidance on implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 CDC Guidance for a communication plan for non-healthcare critical infrastructure employers Engineering controls AIHA: Reducing the risk of COVID-19 using engineering controls Executive orders in North Carolina COVID-19 Executive Orders (English and Spanish) Hazard recognition OSHA hazard recognition for COVID-19 OSHA worker exposure risk to COVID-19 Heat stress CDC Guidance: What workers need to know about heat stress prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic CDC Guidance: Employer information for heat stress prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic Preparing workplaces OSHA Guidance for preparing workplaces for COVID-19 (Spanish) NC DHHS Guidance and Resources for businesses CDC Guidance for small business CDC Guidance on implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 CDC Guidance for businesses for COVID-19 Recordkeeping and reporting OSHA: Vaccine-Related OSHA: COVID-19 Reporting Reopening guidance CDC Guidance on re-opening buildings after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation CDC Guidance: COVID-19 employer information for office buildings CDC Guidance resuming business toolkit CDC: COVID-19 Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting (pdf) AIHA Guidance: Back to work safely AIHA Guidance: Recovering from COVID-19 building closures OSHA: Guidance for preparing workplaces for COVID-19 (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on returning to work (Spanish) OSHA Guidance on social distancing at work NC - Guidance on opening the State (Spanish) Respiratory protection (respirators, face coverings and masks) Fact Sheet: Facemasks vs. Respirators OSHA Guidance: Understanding compliance with OSHA’s respiratory protection standard during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic 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 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 OSHA Guidance on cloth face coverings (FAQs) OSHA's seven steps to correctly wear a respirator (Spanish) (Arabic) (Brazilian Portuguese) (Chinese) (French) (Hmong) (Korean) (Kunama) (Polish) (Russian) (Somali) (Tagalog) (Thai) (Vietnamese) OSHA's Guidance on religious exemptions from the respirator standard OSH hazard considerations for employers on face coverings, masks and respirator choices OSH Hazard Alert: COVID-19 - review of the respiratory protection for healthcare workers OSH Hazard Alert: Respiratory protection for long-term care workers CDC Guidance: COVID-19 decontamination and reuse of filtering facepiece respirators using contingency and crisis capacity strategies AIHA: Proper use of respirators for healthcare workers and first responders Standards enforcement Emergency temporary standard: OSH Enforcement Memorandum; Enforcement Delay-Certain Provisions of the Emergency Temporary Standard on Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 Good faith efforts: OSH Temporary Enforcement Memorandum: Discretion in Enforcement when Considering an Employer's Good Faith Efforts During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Complaints and referrals: OSH Interim Enforcement Memorandum: Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently cited standards: OSHA Guidance on Common COVID-19 Citations: Helping Employers Better Protect Workers and Comply with OSHA Regulations Frequently cited standards: Lessons Learned: Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections Respirators: OSH Temporary Enforcement Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance on Decontamination of Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Healthcare During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Respirators: OSH Temporary Enforcement Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Enforcement Guidance - Healthcare Respiratory Protection Annual Fit-Testing for N95 Filtering Facepieces During the COVID-19 Outbreak Respirators: OSH Enforcement Guidance Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance for Respiratory Protection and the N95 Shortage Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Respirators: OSH Enforcement Guidance Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance For Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment Certified Under Standards of Other Countries or Jurisdictions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Respirators: OSH Interim Guidance Memorandum: Interim Guidance on COVID-19 Use of Filtering Facepiece Respirators After Their Expiration Date Respirators: OSH Expanded Temporary Enforcement Memorandum: Expanded Temporary Enforcement Guidance on Respiratory Protection Fit-Testing for N95 Filtering Facepieces in All Industries During the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic Recordkeeping: OSH Recordkeeping Enforcement Memorandum: Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Migrant housing: ASH Temporary Guidance Memorandum: Temporary Guidance on Migrant Housing for COVID-19 Impacted Workers Test sites NC DHHS, Division of Public Health: Test Sites Vaccines OSHA: Vaccine-Related DHHS: Find My Vaccine Ventilation OSHA Guidance on ventilation in the workplace
