OSHA Posts FAQ on Face Coverings, Surgical Masks, Respirators

Thursday, June 11, 2020 | 0

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration published a series of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the use of masks in the workplace.

The new guidance outlines the differences among cloth face coverings, surgical masks and respirators. It further reminds employers not to use surgical masks or cloth face coverings when respirators are needed.

In addition, the guidance notes the need for social distancing measures, even when workers are wearing cloth face coverings, and recommends following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on washing face coverings.

“As our economy reopens for business, millions of Americans will be wearing masks in their workplace for the first time,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt said in a statement. “OSHA is ready to help workers and employers understand how to properly use masks so they can stay safe and healthy in the workplace.”

Additional information and resources about the coronavirus disease are available on OSHA’s COVID-19 page, here.