MONTPELIER — The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Agency (VOSHA) has developed training and other materials to inform Vermonters on appropriate safety measures necessary to return to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Training and other materials were developed in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.
All businesses and non-profit and government entities in operation must complete and document mandatory health and safety training by May 4, as is detailed in an order signed by Gov. Phil Scott this past Friday.
“As we begin to reopen our economy and get people back to work, it is important that everyone understand the safety measures necessary for accomplishing safe and healthy workplaces,” said Michael Harrington, interim commissioner of the Department of Labor, which oversees VOSHA.
All employers must provide training and details of standard operating procedures to their employees. Training developed by VOSHA includes:
• The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and an explanation of how the disease is spread;
• Information on appropriate social distancing and personal hygiene practices, including those set forth in Addendum 11  and other applicable guidance; and
• The types, proper use, limitations, location, handling, decontamination, removal and disposal of any Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, being used.
As described in the Friday’s order, employers may choose to adopt an additional training program that meets or exceeds the VOSHA-provided standard, or additional policies and procedures that are applicable to the employment environment and employees’ duties, which shall not be less restrictive than those developed by VOSHA.
You can see and download the training materials on the Department of Labor’s website. Once training is completed, a certificate of completion will be made available to keep for the individual’s records. To document compliance, employers will be asked to keep record of all employee certificates.