VOSHA has developed training and other materials on appropriate safety measures necessary to return to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following up on the VOSHA-provided training requirements included in Governor Scott's updated directives Friday for initial reopening criteria for manufacturers and other businesses, VOSHA has developed training and other materials on appropriate safety measures necessary to return to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These training and other materials were developed in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

On April 24, 2020, Governor Scott announced additional conditions for initial resumption of operations for manufacturers and other businesses not currently operating as a critical/essential business. A new requirement, applicable to all operating businesses, including critical/essential businesses:

All employees, including those already working (except healthcare workers, first responders, and others already trained in infection control, personal protection/universal precautions), must complete, and employers must document, a training on mandatory health and safety requirements as provided by VOSHA, or another training program that meets or exceeds the VOSHA-provided standard by May 4, 2020.

All businesses and non-profit and government entities in operation must complete and document the mandatory health and safety training outlined in the link below by May 4, 2020.

All employers must provide training and details of standard operating procedures to their employees. Training developed by VOSHA includes:

• The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and an explanation of how the disease is spread;
• Information on appropriate social distancing and personal hygiene practices, and other applicable guidance; and
• The types, proper use, limitations, location, handling, decontamination, removal, and disposal of any PPE being used.

Under the recent order, employers may choose to adopt an additional training program that meets or exceeds the VOSHA-provided standard, or additional policies and procedures that are applicable to the employment environment and employees' duties, but these cannot be less restrictive than those developed by VOSHA.

Training materials can be accessed on the Department of Labor's website or downloaded and printed. Once training is completed, a certificate of completion will be made available to keep for the individual's records. To document compliance, employers will be asked to keep record of all employee certificates. Training materials can be found by visiting https://labor.vermont.gov/VOSHA