{"id":357931,"date":"2020-04-07T09:24:09","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T14:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/workplace-safety\/my-work-is-unsafe-because-of-covid-19-what-are-my-rights.html"},"modified":"2021-12-08T09:12:20","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T14:12:20","slug":"my-work-is-unsafe-because-of-covid-19-what-are-my-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/my-work-is-unsafe-because-of-covid-19-what-are-my-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"My Work Is Unsafe Because of COVID-19. What Are My Rights?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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My Work Is Unsafe Because of COVID-19. What Are My Rights?<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Chris Meyers, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In general, employers are obligated to take reasonable precautions to ensure a safe environment for their employees. But what does that mean, exactly? Are employers required to take all precautions possible to prevent harm to employees in the workplace, including harm from a disease like COVID-19?<\/p>\r\n

Are There Specific Provisions on Employer Obligations During a Pandemic?<\/h2>\r\n

Yes. Federal law requires employers to promote workplace safety through the Occupational Safety and Health Act<\/a> (OSHA). This Act aims mainly to protect employees from chemical, biological, and physical hazards.<\/p>\r\n

Although OSHA categorizes infectious diseases under biological hazards, it doesn’t specifically talk about COVID-19 and your rights as an employee.<\/p>\r\n

OSHA’s Position on COVID-19<\/h2>\r\n

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued non-binding guidance<\/a> that addresses employers’ responsibilities to their employees regarding COVID-19. This guidance classifies employees into four risk categories: low exposure, medium exposure, high exposure, and very high exposure.<\/p>\r\n

Low Exposure Risk<\/h3>\r\n

Office employees and others who typically have minimal contact with the public are categorized under this group.<\/p>\r\n

In such cases, OSHA recommends employers follow the steps outlined in the guidance to all employers. These steps include:<\/p>\r\n