Basic employee training on

Covid-19 infection prevention

June, 2021 (updated) All photos from Adobe Stock unless otherwise indicated
 What is the coronavirus (Covid-19) virus?
It is a virus related to other coronaviruses
that cause the common cold, but can
cause much more serious health effects.
It is a new virus, specifically called “SARS
CoV-2” and causes Covid-19 illness.
It is highly contagious, spreading from
person to person.
In just a few months, it has infected
millions of people worldwide.
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 What are the symptoms of Covid -19 infection?
COVID-19 typically causes mild respiratory
illness, but can cause severe disease,
including pneumonia-like illness.
Typical symptoms include fever, cough, and
shortness of breath.
Other symptoms are chills, muscle aches,
sore throat, loss of sense of taste or smell,
nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms begin 2-14 days after exposure.
Some people have no symptoms.

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 How is Covid-19 spread?
It is spread from person to person mainly
through respiratory droplets and
aerosols from someone who is infected.

It can spread to others from coughing,

sneezing, singing and even talking.

It also can spread from contact with

contaminated surfaces or objects.

Infected people without symptoms can spread the virus.

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 What to do if you feel sick
If you believe you may have the coronavirus,
stay home and call your healthcare provider.

If you have been infected, you likely had no

symptoms for several days, and you may
have passed the infection onto co-workers.

Inform your employer, so they can

determine who you may have been
in contact with at work.

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 Who is at risk at work?
Extremely High Risk:
Healthcare workers treating or caring for coronavirus
infected patients.

EMT/ambulance employees transporting

infected persons.

High Risk: Courtesy of ABC Radio National - Australia

Dental workers and others who perform procedures that

aerosolize saliva or mucous from the mouth or nose.

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 Who is at risk (continued)
Medium Risk:
Any job requiring you to work within 6 feet
of others several times a day for several
minutes either:
Outdoors,
OR
Indoors, without sneeze guards or other
physical barriers

Examples: grocery store stockers, public

transit drivers, kitchen workers, hair salons
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 Who is at risk (continued)
Low Risk:
All jobs where you stay at least 6
feet away from others; only needing
to briefly pass by them a few times a
day.

Negligible (very low) Risk:

When you work alone, or isolated
from others; with no expectation of
close contact with others.
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 How to protect yourself and others
Keep physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Practice frequent hand washing for 20 seconds

and/or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not
available.

Frequently sanitize work surfaces and tools.

Cover coughs and sneezes and wear a facemask.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with

unwashed hands or gloves.

Stay home if you are sick and avoid co-workers who

appear sick.
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 Face Coverings, Masks, and Respirators
All three help prevent risk for spreading the
virus to others.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
estimates that 40% of infections come from
people with no symptoms.
Depending on your job, level of risk, and
whether prevention measures like physical
barriers are used, you may be required to wear
a disposable mask or respirator instead of a
cloth face covering.
Which Mask for Which Task?
Facemask https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources/covid-19-reopening-guidance-businesses-and-workers

requirement links https://coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/face-masks-or-cloth-face-covering

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 Face coverings, masks, and respirators–which should I wear?

Low risk jobs: homemade cloth

face coverings or purchased
cloth face coverings.

Medium risk jobs: Disposable

surgical-style mask, dust masks
or KN95 masks.

High & extremely high risk jobs: NIOSH-approved

N-95, P-100 or foreign approved KN-95
respirators.

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 CDC Order effective 2/1/2021 https
://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html
Low risk jobs: homemade cloth face
coverings or purchased cloth face
coverings.

The following are attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the
Order. CDC will update this guidance as needed.
• A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
• Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven
(i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
• Mask should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head.
If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
• Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
• Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
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 What your employer must do to protect you
Set up physical distancing and control customer
flow.
Install barriers between workers where feasible.
Provide hand-washing and sanitizing supplies.
Send home any worker who appears infected.
Provide personal protective equipment such as
facemasks or gloves as needed for the activity being
done.
Train you on specific protective measures required
at your workplace.
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 Specific Covid-19 protective measures at your worksite

Your employer is required to have specific procedures for

protection against COVID-19 infection.  You must be trained
on those procedures.
 

Your employer can add additional slides to cover those specific procedures, or
use other training methods.

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 Fully vaccinated workers
Fully vaccinated employees do not need to wear
facemasks or be socially distant, except in
specific jobs.
“Fully vaccinated” means vaccination by FDA-
authorized vaccines (such as Moderna, Pfizer or
Johnson & Johnson) and the appropriate wait
time after vaccination has passed (usually 2
weeks).
You must be able provide verification of
vaccination, like a CDC vaccination card or other
proof.

Note: your employer may still require you to wear a facemask. You can also
choose to continue to wear a facemask.
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 Worksites where facemasks are still required

Healthcare (including long-term care, doctor’s offices, hospitals)

Public transportation (aircraft, train, road vehicles)

K-12 Schools, childcare facilities, and day camps in locations

where students are present

Correctional facilities

Homeless shelters

Governor’s “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” Proclamation

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 Worker rights
You have the right to:

Raise a safety or health concern with your employer or L & I - DOSH,

request personal protective equipment, or report a work-related
hazard, including COVID-19.
Receive information and training on job hazards in your workplace.
Submitting a safety hazard concern to L & I -DOSH
Or call 1-800-423-7233

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 Specific guidelines for various workplaces

Coronavirus Prevention – summary of general workplace requirements

Coronavirus Prevention in Agriculture & Related Industries

Dealing with COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Construction

Food Processing-Warehouse Coronavirus Fact sheet

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Protecting Grocery Store Workers

Which mask for Which Task?

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 Safety & Health Consultation Services
Your employer can request help from L & I - DOSH

Safety or Industrial Hygiene consultants provide assistance with

building your employer’s safety program, training, identifying and
controlling hazards, and following applicable safety rules. No fines or
penalties will result from issues uncovered and corrected during a
consultation. However, consultants will ask your employer to correct
any serious issues and offer assistance.

Request an onsite consultation

1-800-547-8367 or email DOSHConsultation@Lni.wa.gov

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