Vermonters preparing to return back to work during the COVID-19 pandemic will need to complete training developed by the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Agency.
As part of Gov. Phil Scott's guidance to partially reopen the economy, all businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies must complete mandatory health and safety training by May 4.
Gov. Phil Scott announced plans for a phased re-opening of the economy in late April, with the ex that Vermont employers implement physical distancing, health and sanitation measures in order to prevent a "resurgence of COVID-19".
Manufacturers, outdoor garden centers, and outdoor work companies were the first businesses to open to open in a limited capacity.
Additional lifted restrictions announced on Friday will enable construction, manufacturing and distribution companies to work at full operation starting May 11, expected to bring tens of thousands of Vermont workers back into the industry.
For more: Vermont eases coronavirus restrictions, stay home order
"Our top priority, as people return to work is their health and their safety," said Agency of Commerce and Community Development secretary Lindsay Kurrle, in a news briefing on Friday.
"As we loosen restrictions over time, there's an immense amount of work that goes into ensuring each sector and industry has a concrete plan to protect their employee's health and wellbeing."
For those employers and employees still looking to understand the new guidelines, we've provided a breakdown of what the state is asking businesses to do in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
What does the training include?
The training is comprised of a 73-page document, which outlines:
- the signs and symptoms of COVID-19
- how COVID-19 can spread
- appropriate social distancing and hygiene practices
- risks of exposure to COVID-19 in different industries
- the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Who is required to complete the training?
All Vermont employees and employers returning to work, including outdoor businesses and construction, manufacturing and distribution companies, are required to complete the training. The training must be completed by May 4, or upon the first day an employee returns to work after May 4.
Businesses that were previously working prior to the phased re-opening are being advised to adopt any new or additional health and safety guidelines outlined by VOSHA, the CDC, or the Department of Health.
A training certificate will be provided upon completion, verifying employers and employees are aware of and are complying with mandatory requirements and safety guidelines.
What types of safety measures will be in place for returning workers?
All Vermont employers are required to develop a plan that ensures that employees are protected from the spread of COVID-19.
Template plans are available via the Agency of Commerce and Community Development's website, but employers are also welcome to create or adopt a phased reopening and training plan that caters to their specific industry.
A health and safety plan for a business or job site can include:
- modifying the workplace with shields, barriers or movable workstations
- adhering to physical distancing of at least 6 feet between employees
- cleaning surfaces, common spaces, and workstations employees use regularly
- handwashing or hand sanitizing
- providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or face coverings
- health monitoring, including temperature checks, to screen employees for symptoms prior to the beginning of a work shift.
Employees with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 are advised not to report to work or a job site. Employers will additionally required to post signs indicating that no one may enter if they have symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, fever, shortness of breath).
In cases where an employer has not created a plan or is not adhering to mandatory requirements, employees can confidentially report complaints and or concerns through Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration or through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development's website.
Contact Ethan Bakuli at (802) 556-1804 or ebakuli@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BakuliEthan.
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Want to return to work in Vermont? Learn about the required the health and safety training - Burlington Free Press
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