DOL: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For federal OSHA's up-to-date resources and information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus.

The Indiana Department of Labor can offer guidance to employers and employees regarding safety and health, as well as wage and hour issues occurring during the pandemic. We will continue to accept and process safety and health complaints related to the COVID-19 pandemic through our IOSHA nonformal complaint form available at www.in.gov/dol/3144.htm.

Symptoms

Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Call your doctor if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area or community with known cases of COVID-19. Stay at home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas or use public transportation.

According to the CDC, the respiratory disease was first detected in China. On January 30, 2020, the International Health regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern."

Prevention of Spread

The best way to prevent spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is to avoid exposure. The CDC recommends the following preventative actions:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, blowing your nose, or coughing.
If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home as much as possible
Maintain physical distance between yourself and other people; The CDC recommends a physical distance of at least 6 feet at all times
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover while around others
- The cloth face covering is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
- Do not place face coverings on children under age 2, anyone with trouble breathing, or unable to remove the mask without assistance
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker

For a complete guide on preventing spread of COVID-19, please see the CDC's prevention webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

OSHA Standards and Directives Applying to COVID-19

Some existing OSHA requirements may apply to preventing occupational exposure. Among the most relevant are:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I), which require using gloves, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection.
The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), which requires employers to furnish to each worker "employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm."

Available OSHA COVID-19 Resources

Enforcement Memorandums

Governor Holcomb's "Back On Track Indiana" Strategy

On May 1, 2020, Governor Holcomb announced the Back On Track Indiana reopening strategy, which provides detailed information and a schedule for the cautious reopening of the state's economy and resources for Hoosiers.

Fair Labor Standards Act Information

The federal Department of Labor has provided guidance on federal Wage and Hour laws, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and how they pertain to the pandemic.

Please visit www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/pandemic for information about FLSA and more.