Not all of the items are relevant to all types of food operations; there is additional sector-specific information available e.g., guidance from CDC and the U.S. Department of Labor for Agriculture Workers and Employers , Seafood Processing Workers , and Meat and Poultry Processing Workers and Employers.
More information about what practices or steps might be appropriate within your operation can be found in FDA’s document titled “What to Do if You Have COVID-19 Confirmed Positive or Exposed Workers in Your Food Production, Storage, or Distribution Operations Regulated by FDA” , as well as in the CDC and OSHA guidance for manufacturing workers and employers agriculture workers and employers , seafood processing workers and employers , and meat and poultry processing workers and employers.
Animal food means food for animals other than man and includes pet food, animal feed, and raw materials and ingredients.
The OSH Act covers most private sector employers and their workers, in addition to some public sector employers and workers, in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions under federal authority.
Employee Health and Food Safety Checklist for Human and Animal Food Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic continued Employee Health Ensuring employees remain healthy is key to maintaining continuity of operations and, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers must provide a safe and healthful working environment free of serious recognized safety and health hazards.
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings as a protective measure in addition to social distancing, and notes that they may be especially important when social distancing is not possible or feasible based on working conditions.
A strategy aimed at reducing introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into the work setting through early identification could reduce the risk of widespread transmission.
Any employee who becomes sick during their work shift should immediately be sent home and/or seek further care from a healthcare provider.
Have you identified and addressed conditions where social distancing may be compromised, such as: near timeclocks; in hallways; at handwash stations, entrances and exits, vending machines, and microwaves; and in cafeterias, restrooms, common areas/breakrooms, and outdoor gathering areas? Can you configure the work environment in your operation so that the workers are spaced at least 6 feet apart, wherever feasible? For example, as described in CDC and OSHA guidance, Can you modify the alignment of work stations so that workers are at least 6 feet apart in all directions? 6.
Employee Health and Food Safety Checklist for Human and Animal Food Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic continued Work Space Configuration Examples The following diagram, based on one developed by OSHA , is one example of a way to align workstations to include social distancing practices.