The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued updated guidance on COVID-19 precautions for all workplaces. In a press release published on January 29, 2021, OSHA issued stronger guidelines based on a mandate by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The new guidance provides recommendations to mitigate and prevent the viral spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
According to the release “More than 400,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 and millions of people are out of work as a result of the crisis.” Employers are encouraged to implement a COVID-19 Prevention Program for their workplaces to reduce the spread of the virus. The first step of a prevention plan is to conduct a hazard assessment which will evaluate the worksite and work practices to assess potential exposure and determine proper protection for workers.
To assist the Virgin Islands business community in developing and implementing a prevention plan, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) extends the assistance of its OSHA Consultation Program -- Safety In Paradise (SIP). SIP offers free, confidential services for private businesses and non-profit organizations across the territory.
“Since the start of the pandemic, SIP has offered guidance to businesses during the lockdown and provided free online seminars to help the business community to reopen safely,” stated Dr. Suzanne Darrow Magras, Director of UVI CELL and SIP Program Manager. “The updated guidelines encourage businesses to implement a COVID-19 prevention program for their workplaces and our consultants are more than ready to assist with those needs,” continued Dr. Magras.
For more information on the release or the updated mandate to protect workers, visit https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/01292021-0.
To obtain assistance in developing and implementing a COVID-19 prevention program for your private business or non-profit organization, contact the SIP at safetyinparadise@uvi.edu or visit http://safety.uvi.edu.