This post is a short summary of U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policy. Follow the link below if you need more information on the official position on face coverings, and related employer responsibilities. Official documents list minimum requirements employers must meet, and employees must comply with. It’s the law and it’s in our interests to protect each other.
Cloth Face Coverings, Employer Responsibilities & The Law
The Occupational Health and Safety Act does not consider cloth face coverings personal protective equipment (PPE), according to the OSHA. That’s because it says they are not intended to protect employees against occupational hazards.
Hence, the law does not require employers to provide them. Although there may be times when they should provide other forms of face protection. However, employers do have a voluntary option to supply cloth face coverings as a means of mitigating infection.
Face coverings and employer responsibilities depend on the circumstances applying. That’s because an employer must only protect their workers from work-based risks. Hence, they are not liable for the dangers of the world beyond.
Should Workers Wear Their Own Cloth Face Protection Then?
The OSHA generally recommends employers encourage workers to wear protection while at work. This is consistent with Centers for Disease Control Advice. This however takes the debate from work considerations to general health.
Employers have discretion under the law to forbid workers wearing cloth face coverings at work where they represent risks. For example:
1… They could become contaminated, and transfer hazardous chemicals
2… They could become damp, and incubate infectious droplets from others
Employers have the option of providing other forms of respiratory protection like face shields according to OSHA. Face coverings and employer responsibilities could be due for revisits by legislators as circumstances evolve. This may remain a contentious issue for years to come.
Related
Face Coverings in Meat and Poultry Facilities
Advice on Washing Cloth Face Coverings
Preview Image: Do’s and Don’ts
