State (DOS) travel advisories: travel.state.gov Employers should communicate to workers that the DOS cannot provide Americans traveling or living abroad with medications or supplies, even in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak. As COVID-19 outbreak conditions change, travel into or out of a country may not be possible, safe, or medically advisable. It is also likely that governments will respond to a COVID-19 outbreak by imposing public health measures that restrict domestic and international movement, further limiting the U.S. government’s ability to assist Americans in these countries. It is important that employers and workers plan appropriately, as it is possible that these measures will be implemented very quickly in the event of worsening outbreak conditions in certain areas. More information on COVID-19 planning for workers living and traveling abroad can be found at: www.cdc.gov/travel. For More Information Federal, state, and local government agencies are the best source of information in the event of an infectious disease outbreak, such as COVID-19. Staying informed about the latest developments and recommendations is critical, since specific guidance may change based upon evolving outbreak situations. Below are several recommended websites to access the most current and accurate information: ■ Occupational Safety and Health Administration website: www.osha.gov ■ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: www.cdc.gov ■ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health website: www.cdc.gov/niosh GUIDANCE ON PREPARING WORKPLACES FOR COVID-19 2 7 OSHA Assistance, Services, and Programs OSHA has a great deal of information to assist employers in complying with their responsibilities under OSHA law. Several OSHA programs and services can help employers identify and correct job hazards, as well as improve their safety and health program. Establishing a Safety and Health Program Safety and health programs are systems that can substantially reduce the number and severity of workplace injuries and illnesses, while reducing costs to employers. Visit www.osha.gov/safetymanagement for more information. Compliance Assistance Specialists OSHA compliance assistance specialists can provide information to employers and workers about OSHA standards, short educational programs on specific hazards or OSHA rights and responsibilities, and information on additional compliance assistance resources. Visit www.osha.gov/complianceassistance/cas or call 1-800- 321-OSHA (6742) to contact your local OSHA office. No-Cost On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Services for Small Business OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-Site consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. For more information or to find the local On-Site Consultation office in your state, visit www.osha.gov/consultation, or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 2 8 Under the consultation program, certain exemplary employers may request participation in OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Worksites that receive SHARP recognition are exempt from programmed inspections during the period that the SHARP certification is valid. Cooperative Programs OSHA offers cooperative programs under which businesses, labor groups and other organizations can work cooperatively with OSHA. To find out more about any of the following programs, visit www.osha.gov/cooperativeprograms. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances The OSHA Strategic Partnerships (OSP) provide the opportunity for OSHA to partner with employers, workers, professional or trade associations, labor organizations, and/or other interested stakeholders. Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups to develop compliance assistance tools and resources to share with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) The VPP recognize employers and workers in the private sector and federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health programs and maintain injury and illness rates below the national average for their respective industries. Occupational Safety and Health Training OSHA partners with 26 OSHA Training Institute Education Centers at 37 locations throughout the United States to deliver courses on OSHA standards and occupational safety and health topics to thousands of students a year. For more information on training courses, visit www.osha.gov/otiec. GUIDANCE ON PREPARING WORKPLACES FOR COVID-19 2 9 OSHA Educational Materials OSHA has many types of educational materials to assist employers and workers in finding and preventing workplace hazards. All OSHA publications are free at www.osha.gov/publications and www.osha.gov/ebooks. You can also call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) to order publications. Employers and safety and health professionals can sign-up for QuickTakes, OSHA’s free, twice-monthly online newsletter with the latest news about OSHA initiatives and products to assist in finding and preventing workplace hazards. To sign