OSHA tells inspectors to prioritize coronavirus complaints

Posted April 15, 2020

OSHA has released an interim enforcement response plan that provides instructions and guidance to its Area Offices and compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) for handling coronavirus-related complaints, referrals, and severe illness reports. Workplaces where fatalities and imminent danger exposures related to the coronavirus have occurred will be prioritized for on-site inspections.

The response plan outlines procedures for addressing reports of workplace hazards related to the coronavirus. OSHA says that workers who request inspections, complain of coronavirus exposure, or report illnesses may be protected under one or more whistleblower statutes and will be informed of their protections from retaliation.

The plan takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

This article was written by Rachel Krubsack of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.