With many states and localities easing their shelter in place orders, flooring installation is likely to increase. It is important that every installer take steps to protect themselves, employees, and customers from exposure to the coronavirus. Moreover, it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of customers or employees claiming you are liable if they contract COVID-19.

The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new guides that can help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus for workers who perform in-home repair services:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Prior to arrival, ask if anyone in the house is experiencing COVID symptoms.
• Consider delaying non-emergency work if there is a symptomatic individual in the house. Follow all appropriate infection control measures if the work cannot be delayed.
• Encourage workers to wear face coverings for all in-home visits.
• Wear gloves and use disinfectants and sanitizers to wipe surfaces or equipment.
• Avoid shaking hands with customers or other occupants of homes being serviced.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance from co-workers and customers whenever possible.
• Use walls and closed doors to separate workers from occupants or install plastic sheeting to close off areas of the home.
• Regularly clean and disinfect tools and equipment with cleaning chemicals approved by the EPA from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus. Avoid sharing tools and equipment whenever possible.

OSHA regularly updates its guidance and all flooring retailers and contractors should check to see if any new guidance is published. WFCA members can access any updates by visiting the OSHA Coronavirus Webpage. You can also get additional information regarding the OSHA and Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) guides on operating safely on the WFCA website at: Reopening Safely - A Practical Guide and OSHA Publishes New Guidelines for Reopening Businesses.

WFCA will continue to provide updates on any new guidance. In the meantime, please feel free to send your concerns or questions directly tojeffw@jkingesq.com and mperkins@lobbyit.com.

Notice: The information contained in this update is abridged from legislation, court decisions, and administrative rulings, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for the advice of counsel.