Supporting Rhode Island Workers and Businesses through COVID-19

Beacon Mutual would like to thank all of the front line and essential workers for the work you do each day. And thank you as well to everyone now staying and working from home. We thank each of you one and all for doing your part to slow the spread of coronavirus. Together we can keep workers and workplaces safe and healthy during the pandemic.

Beacon Mutual encourages all employers to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA), the World Health Organization, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and to check these resources regularly since the situation is changing daily. 

Protecting Workers & Workplaces

Reopening Rhode Island

Guidelines from the State of Rhode Island for a Phased Approach to Reopening the Economy.

Rhode Island Hospitality Association - Covid-19 Resources for hospitality and restaurant safety

OSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

The OSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (PDF) is intended for planning purposes. Employers and workers should use this planning guidance to help identify risk levels in workplace settings and to determine any appropriate control measures to implement. Additional guidance may be needed as COVID-19 outbreak conditions change, including as new information about the virus, its transmission, and impacts, becomes available. 

Visit the OSHA web site for resources on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 and to get current information on standards and rules during the pandemic.

OSHA COVID-10 Guidance by Industry

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps workers minimize exposure to injuries and illnesses.

The COVID-19 virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.  In light of this evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) in especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

 

 

Cleaning and Disinfecting Workplaces

Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone is Sick, and Considerations for Employers

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (CDC) 

  • Disinfecting Community Facilities and Infected Rooms (CDC) - This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas occupied by those with suspected or with confirmed COVID-19. It is aimed at limiting the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in key environments. These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.

  • CDC Cleaning and Disinfection for Non-emergency Transport Vehicles 

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA reviews and registers antimicrobial pesticides, which include disinfectants for use on pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. View the list of EPA Registered Disinfectant Products. 


Reopening Guidance

Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes: This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Visit the CDC website for Reopening Guidance.


Remote Worker Safety

Beacon Mutual has developed and recorded a webinar and numerous print resources for remote workers. This webinar has been designed specifically to address the unique challenges of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting up your workspace properly is one of the most important ways to ensure that you are working safely while working remotely.  Click here for more information about Working Remotely During COVID-19. 

Additional Resources

Beacon Mutual Online University

Beacon is committed to providing workers with the highest quality online training experience. The Beacon Online University features more than 100 core health & safety courses including topics related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The online campus allows all employees to learn the latest information on workplace safety by offering courses for all types of workplace exposure. Visit the Beacon Online University.

  • COVID-19: A Pandemic Response (SG54) - 10 minutes
    Review myths and facts about COVID-19, tips on social distancing, protecting yourself and others, steps to avoid exposure, and maintain good mental health.

  • Practicing Hand Hygiene (HW03) - 15 minutes
    Proper hand hygiene, when and how to wash your hands are described to prevent the spread of disease-causing germs.

  • 8 Tips for Working from Home (BV90) - 5 minutes
    Identify your current strengths and weaknesses, and learn strategies for working from home to be even more productive!

  • Emergency Communication in the Workplace (EP63) - 45 minutes
    This course focuses on knowing how to communicate during an emergency, how to effectively report an emergency, and how to overcome communication barriers.

  • The Family Medical Leave (HU30) - 15 minutes
    The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is reviewed as well as notice requirements of covered employers. Explore coverage and the liabilities of not complying with the law.

  • Coronavirus & Safety: What Every Cop Needs to Know (PT61) - NEW!
    This interview between Ron Barber of Line of Duty and Dr, Andrew Dennis provides best practices for Law Enforcement Officers to keep themselves and their community safe from the spread of the Coronavirus.

CDC Resources

OSHA Resources:

  • COVID-19 interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection
     
  • Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 : English and Spanish

National Resources:

Rhode Island Resources:

  • Commerce RI: Answers to frequently asked questions about operating a business during the disaster and COVID-19 FAQ’s. The information is also available in Spanish. https://commerceri.com/

  • RI Department of Business Regulation (DBR):  Updates in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Including FAQ’s, guidance documents, list of critical business, real estate and tenant guidelines, bulletins, and notices from DBR Divisions and Liquor Enforcement section. https://dbr.ri.gov/

  • RI Office of Attorney General: Information, guidance, tips, and links to help you access what you need with regard to the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General during the COVID-19 emergency.  http://riag.ri.gov/

  • RI Office of Sectary of State:  Answers to frequently asked questions about Voting, Archive Research, Business Fillings and COVID-19 FAQ’s. The information is also available in Spanish. https://www.sos.ri.gov/

  • RI Department of Environment Management: Updates on DEM’s response to COVID-19 including guidance for farmers, commercial fishing, state parks, and beaches. http://www.dem.ri.gov/

Visit the Beacon Mutual Safety Center for more information on our Loss Prevention and Safety Programs.

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