Many states have imposed regulations requiring employers to provide COVID-19 training to their employees. But not every state has. However, even when not mandated by state law, employers have the obligation under federal OSHA regulations to provide information to their employees regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how to mitigate the spread of the virus at work.
Unfortunately, we have found no charts that outline which states require employers to provide COVID training to their employees.
Many states that require training do not implement a defined training course. Rather, each employer is required to educate and train their employees on the workplace safety protocols unique to their work environment related to the spread of the virus. The state of Virginia requires employers to do the following:
- Mandate appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitation, social distancing, infectious disease preparedness and response plans, record keeping, training, and hazard communications in workplaces across the Commonwealth.
- Ensure ready access to hand sanitizer and the regular cleaning of common workspaces.
- Require employers to train employees on COVID-19 safety and to develop infectious disease and preparedness response plans. Implementation is required of employers by March 26, 2021.
- Include guidelines for returning to work and communicating about employees who test positive and potential exposures.