Virginia COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules Now In Effect

Quick Hit

As we previously reported, Virginia became the first state to issue mandatory COVID-19 workplace safety rules when the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board ("VSHCB") approved an emergency temporary standard on July 15, 2020. The final text has now been released and the new rules, which apply to most private employers, went into effect July 27, 2020. Employers who fail to comply may be subject to fines of up to $13,494 for a "serious" violation and up to $134,937 for a "repeat" or "willful" violation.

Key Takeaways

Virginia's new rules are quite detailed. The new mandatory workplace rules will: prohibit workers or other individuals suspected of having coronavirus from coming to the workplace; require employers to comply with certain types of protocols when allowing recovered workers to return to the workplace; and mandate the use of personal protective equipment ("PPE"), disinfection and sanitation, social distancing, employee training, and