Safety tips to reopen business, get back to normal

Across the country, states are beginning to reopen from lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the shutdowns themselves, the reopenings will vary from state to state in terms of timing and scope. Regardless, businesses should begin to plan for how the inevitable reopenings will affect their workforces. Here are some safety concerns you should consider during the process.

Implement workplace safety guidelines

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), employers have a duty to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. To mitigate the risk of harm to employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidance to employers on how to prepare the workplace for the virus.

According to OSHA's guidance, the risk of exposure—and the measures required to reduce it—depend on the profession or industry. For nearly all employers, basic infection prevention measures will be essential to preventing a further outbreak of the virus in the workplace.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued additional interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan and respond to COVID-19. The guidance reiterates that maintaining a healthy work environment will be a key element in keeping the virus from spreading in the workplace. Accordingly, the CDC encourages employers to: