1. Home
  2. |Insights
  3. |OSHA Issues Guidance to Employers on Preventing Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

OSHA Issues Guidance to Employers on Preventing Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Client Alert | 1 min read | 03.11.20

On March 10, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued Guidance for employers to prevent occupational exposures to the coronavirus. In doing so, OSHA reminds employers that while no specific standard governs occupational exposure to the coronavirus, the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s General Duty Clause, 29 U.S.C. § 654 (a)(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

The Guidance contains recommendations and describes safety and health standards that, if followed, could help employers reduce potential enforcement actions for employees who may be exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace. While recognizing it may not be possible to eliminate a COVID-19 outbreak hazard, the Guidance lists what OSHA believes to be effective protective measures (from most to least effective): engineering controls, administrative controls, safe work practices (a type of administrative control), and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Guidance directs employers to “plan now for COVID-19” and states that “[e]mployers who have not prepared for pandemic events should prepare themselves and their workers.” OSHA is advising employers to:

  • Recommend employees take personal measures to prevent exposure, such as frequent hand washing.
  • Assess the hazards to which workers may be exposed.
  • Evaluate the risk of exposure.
  • Develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, and policies and procedures for prompt identification and isolation of sick employees.
  • Select, implement, and ensure employees use controls to prevent exposure, including physical barriers to control the spread of the virus; social distancing; and appropriate PPE, hygiene, and cleaning supplies.

The Guidance also advises that employers with workers living or traveling abroad plan appropriately for travel restrictions and consult OSHA’s “Business Travelers” COVID-19 webpage.

Contacts

Insights

Client Alert | 5 min read | 06.11.25

Steel Tariffs Doubled: How the Hike Could Reshape Construction Projects at Home and Abroad

To date the Trump Administration has issued multiple proclamations imposing varying rates of import duties on steel and aluminum and certain derivatives, including construction materials. These measures have added volatility and financial pressures to the construction sector both in the United States and abroad. Most recently, on June 3, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, doubling tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, effective June 4, 2025. This action aims to counteract the continued influx of lower-priced, excess steel and aluminum imports that, according to the administration, threaten U.S. national security by undermining domestic production capacity. The proclamation notes that while prior tariffs provided some price support, they were insufficient to achieve the necessary capacity utilization rates for sustained industry health and defense readiness. The United Kingdom remains temporarily exempt at the 25% rate until July 9, per the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal....

View All Insights