ARTICLE
OSHA has recently revised its recordkeeping requirements to make Coronavirus a recordable illness in their illness and injury logs. Employers are responsible for recording cases of the coronavirus if: • It is medically confirmed as a coronavirus illness. • It is work-related (i.e. work environment either caused as contributed to the resulting condition). • It involves one or more of the general recording criteria (i.e. results in death, days away from work, medical treatment beyond first aid, or illness diagnosed by a physician). OSHA acknowledges that “it remains difficult to determine whether a coronavirus illness is work-related.” Therefore, making a reasonable effort to determine work-relatedness should be proof of compliance. Additionally, OSHA emphasized that merely recording instances of coronavirus does not confirm a violation of OSHA standards. Several states have mandated that Coronavirus be deemed work-related through the end of the pandemic. More states are considering similar action. Check whether your state has done so.