Workers Comp

Washington updates mask guidelines for workers

Louise Esola

May 24, 2021 Reprints

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The Washington Department of Labor & Industries on Friday updated its state COVID-19 workplace safety and health guidance stating that fully vaccinated employees do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work, unless their employer still requires it.

The new guidance follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement that masks were not required for vaccinated individuals.

The new state guidelines also stipulate that before ending mask and social distance requirements that employers must confirm workers are fully vaccinated “by having the worker either sign a document attesting to their status or provide proof of vaccination.”

“Employers must be able to demonstrate they have verified vaccination status for workers who are not masked or physically distanced,” the new guidance states.

The department said such verification methods may include creating a log of workers who have verified they’ve been vaccinated and the date of verification, checking vaccination status each day as workers enter a job site, or marking a worker’s badge or credential show they are vaccinated.

“When verifying an employee’s vaccine status, acceptable documentation includes a CDC vaccination card, a photo of the card, documentation from a health care provider, a signed attestation from the worker, or documentation from the state immunization information system,” the guidance states, adding that evidence of the verification system must be available to the department upon request.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.