Seyfarth Synopsis: On April 13, 2020,
OSHA released an Interim Enforcement Response Plan
for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is intended to
provide instructions and guidance to Area Offices and compliance
safety and health officers (CSHOs) for handling COVID-19-related
complaints, referrals, and severe illness reports. This guidance
took effect immediately and will remain in effect until further
notice.
The Interim Enforcement Response Plan (Memorandum) is intended
to maximize OSHA's impact in enforcing its safety standards
during the Coronavirus pandemic. The Memorandum includes specific
enforcement procedures (Attachment 1), a sample employer letter for
COVID-19 activities (Attachment 2), a sample hazard alert letter
(Attachment 3), a sample alleged violation
description for a citation under the general duty clause, Section
5(a)(1), of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act (Attachment 4), and additional references,
including OSHA's prior
