WorkCare has introduced an affordable online course for employers on Return to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic in California. You can access it here.

The course covers recommended general industry procedures to help protect employees, business operators and others from exposure to COVID-19. While the course is based on California’s guidelines, it contains recommendations that are relevant in other jurisdictions.

The course features eight modules:

1. About COVID-19:

• • Introduction to the coronavirus
  • How the disease spreads
  • Preventive measures

2. Prior to Recommencement of Work in California

• • Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Health and safety documentation

3. Return-to-work guidelines

• • Risk assessment and planning
  • Working in public, traveling and lone work scenarios

4. Training

• • Recognizing training needs
  • Preventing spread of disease at work
  • Reducing cross-contamination risk
  • Tips for first aid responders
  • Specialized cleaning of high-risk areas
  • Cleaning tools, equipment and plants

5. Control measures and screenings
6. Disinfection protocols

• • Guidelines while cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Waste management

7. Physical distancing guidelines

• • Office environments
  • Restroom facilities
  • Eating areas
  • Meetings
  • Deliveries

8. Course summary and quiz

A certificate is awarded following successful completion of the course.

Injury and Illness Prevention Programs

California employers are required to implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) under Title 8 of the state’s Code of Regulations, Section 3203, to protect employees from exposure to workplace hazards, including infectious diseases. Now most covered employers in the state are required to modify their IIPPs in response to apparent COVID-19 exposure risk.

According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 34 states have laws or regulations that require or encourage the use of IIPPs; at least 16 states provide related voluntary guidance, consultation and training. Depending on the state, these programs may apply to all employers or companies:

• Above or below a certain size threshold
• With above-average injury and illness rates by industry type
• In high-hazard industries
• With above-average workers’ compensation experience modification rates

California is considered a leader with respect to the development of IIPP standards. Key elements the state requires to be included in a written IIPP include responsibility, compliance, communication, hazard assessment, accident or exposure investigation, hazard correction, training, instruction and recordkeeping.

California refers employers seeking further guidance to infection control measures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): How to Protect Yourself and Others.

Employers are also expected to take extra precautions to protect employees who have frequent contact with the public from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and other contagious diseases.

Don’t miss our related training materials: COVID-19 Guidelines for Construction Employers (California) and COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention.