Going back to work amid COVID-19

Submitted by Washington State Department of Health

As we reopen more businesses throughout the state, more of us are going back to work. As we do, you may have some questions about work and COVID-19. We did. So we worked with our friends at the Department of Labor & Industries to explore what types of occupations and industries people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Washington worked in. You can see what we found in a report from the Department of Health at https://bit.ly/2YpgeZ0.

The highest number of COVID-19 cases in Washington is among people who work in health care and social assistance. The manufacturing industry has the second-highest number of cases. This includes traditional manufacturing businesses as well as food processing facilities. It’s important to note that while the risk for contracting COVID-19 may be higher for people depending on their industry or occupation, this report reflects where people work, not where or how they were infected.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How is my employer keeping me safe?

When you go to work, you have the right to a safe and healthy workplace. Your employer is required to make sure you can stay six feet away from others as much as possible, to frequently clean and sanitize the workplace, and make sure you are able to wash your hands frequently.

Employers must follow this guidance:

• L&I Workplace Safety and Health Guidance, https://bit.ly/31aAMGw.

• United States Department of Labor Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf.

• Washington State Department of Health Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations, https://www.doh.wa.gov/Coronavirus/workplace.

In addition, as a part of the Safe Start program, the governor has guidance for specific industries as they reopen, https://bit.ly/3cYeutD.

I do not believe my employer is following this guidance.

The first thing you should do is talk to your employer about this and try to resolve the issue with them. If that doesn’t work, you have two options to report possible safety violations:

Violations of the Governor’s proclamation, including essential businesses not following social distancing requirements, can be reported online, https://bit.ly/2YVE5hO.

Workplace safety complaints about coronavirus or other issues can be filed by calling L&I directly at 800–423–7233.

And if you think you have been retaliated against for filing a complaint, or for bringing up safety concerns to your employer, you can file a complaint.

If I got COVID-19 at work, could I file a workers compensation claim?

Under certain circumstances, yes. Claims from health care workers and first responders for exposure to coronavirus will be allowed. Other claims that meet certain criteria for exposure will be considered on a…