Despite the lifting of Washington’s COVID-19 emergency orders this week, the state Department of Labor & Industries encourages employers to be vigilant at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In a news release, the department said employers still must assess their specific workplace for COVID-19 hazards and take steps to prevent employee exposure based on that assessment. Workers who’ve tested positive for the virus should still be kept out of the workplace for at least five days per Washington State Department of Health guidance.
Health care workers and those providing care to or working near someone known or suspected of having COVID-19 should wear appropriate, fit-tested and National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health-approved respirators.
Rules under the state Health Emergency Labor Standards Act will remain in place as long as there’s a national COVID-19 state of emergency. The law prevents employers from retaliating against high-risk employees who seek accommodation from exposure. It also requires employers to notify workers when an exposure to COVID-19 happens, and to report outbreaks at any company with more than 50 workers.
