OSHA has released its latest industry-specific COVID-19 guidance for nursing homes, retail pharmacies, rideshare workers and dental practitioners.
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Facility Workers (Spanish)
OSHA guidance includes:
- Screen workers and residents regularly for signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Ask visitors to inform the facility if they develop a fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of their visit.
- Maintain at least six feet between workers, residents and visitors to the extent possible, including while workers perform their duties and during breaks.
- Consider alternatives to in-person large group gatherings (staff meetings, resident activities).
- Regularly clean and disinfect shared equipment and frequently touched surfaces in resident rooms, staff workstations and common areas.
OSHA guidance includes:
- Install clear plastic barriers between workers and customers at order/pickup counters.
- Use signage and floor markers to keep waiting customers at least six feet from the counter, other customers and pharmacy staff.
- Specify hours dedicated to vulnerable populations (the elderly, people with underlying health conditions, etc.).
- Increase the use of self-serve checkout to minimize worker interaction with customers.
- Limit the number of customers allowed inside the facility at any point.
Rideshare, Taxi and Car Service Workers (Spanish)
OSHA guidance includes:
- Ensure vehicle door handles and inside surfaces are routinely cleaned and disinfected.
- Advise drivers to lower vehicle windows to increase airflow.
- Allow drivers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent spread of the virus and ask customers to do the same.
- Provide drivers and customers with tissues and trash receptacles.
- Limit the number of passengers drivers can transport at a single time, and install plexiglass partitions between driver and passenger compartments where possible.
Dental Practitioners (Spanish)
OSHA guidance includes:
- Maximize use of telemedicine for non-emergency consultations and prioritize urgent and emergency procedures.
- Install physical barriers or partitions between patient treatment areas.
- Provide adequate ventilation and airflow in patient treatment areas so that air moves away from staff work areas.
- Minimize the number of staff present when aerosol-generating procedures are performed and ensure staff who are present are appropriately protected.
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye goggles, face shields, and N95 respirators, as necessary to protect dental practitioners and support personnel.
Visit OSHA’s COVID-19 webpage for more information, guidance and resources.