Why COVID-19 Related Safety Training is Important for Employers:


Posted April 9, 2020 by NATECintl

This press release stresses the importance of training employees on COVID-19 related safety training.

 
The pandemic of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) has been monumental to say the least. With drastic changes to policies, regulations, legislation and employment, training has never been as important as ever. Not only does it ensure the safety and health of employees within the workplace, it is essential for employers to maintain their liability when workers may be faced with hazardous situations.

For many businesses that continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, their workers may be subjected to conditions that would be considered hazardous. Latest news on the pandemic proposes that some of these workers could earn hazard pay as well as stresses the need the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). However, training to prevent themselves from the exposure of potentially infectious materials or others is not mentioned nor is it a current necessary regulation among employers.

Employers must communicate best practices as well as abide by pre-existing regulations set in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Temporary and additional rules may be set in place to further reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Employers can further reduce the liability risks by abiding to guidance provided by OSHA, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and guidance from local county and state officials.

For employers, liability and the risk of their employees’ exposure to COVID-19 poses many potential ramifications. Many questions arise such as, “What happens if my employee contracts COVID-19 while working?”, or “Will I be liable for punitive damages if my employee contracts COVID-19”? Although there are currently no regulations involving the requirement of safety training, ensuring that employees are properly trained, informed and wearing adequate PPE would resolve potential liability issues.

When selecting a provider for COVID-19 related safety training, the most important factor is documentation. There are a number of free resources online that provide training, but do not provide accredited certification or the longevity of training records. It must be evident in documentation that employees are properly trained in COVID-19 related safety training. As an employer, selecting the provider means having access to training records far beyond today’s date, maintaining certification records, and if recertification is necessary.

It is important to note that one umbrella training program may not suffice for liability issues and that there may be other additional/necessary supplemental training based on the employee’s risk to exposure. Training providers, if necessary, can cater programs to suit the many needs of different companies and organizations.
Finally, always err on the safe side. Use all the guidance from Federal, State and Local legislation as much as possible.
-- END ---
Share Facebook Twitter
Print Friendly and PDF DisclaimerReport Abuse
Contact Email [email protected]
Issued By NATEC International, Inc.
Business Address 1100 Technology Circle, Suite A, Anaheim, CA 92805
Country United States
Categories Construction , Education , Engineering
Tags covid19 nationwide training , covid19 safety training , covid19 training
Last Updated April 9, 2020