The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has understandably captured the world’s attention. Here at Sedgwick, we are keeping a close eye on the situation and the resulting impact to our clients, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping requirements.

Following is our guidance should an employee be exposed to COVID-19 at work:

• COVID-19 should be treated like any other exposure case, such as pertussis or meningitis. If an employee develops an illness as a result of a workplace exposure, the case is recordable and should be entered on the OSHA 300 log. COVID-19 is distinguished from the flu or colds, which are not recordable events

• A case is not recordable if an employer suspects possible exposure to employees and takes them off work. The case only becomes recordable if the worker develops the illness, and the illness can reasonably be traced to an exposure at work. COVID-19 is therefore not treated like a bloodborne
• pathogen exposure, such as a dirty needle-stick, where OSHA states the mere exposure makes the case recordable

• In summary, COVID-19 cases become recordable when the illness is diagnosed and there is a confirmed exposure in the workplace 

Sedgwick is here to help. More information about our OSHA services can be viewed here. Please contact your client services director if you have questions.