On June 10, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a list of frequently asked questions related to the use of different types of face masks in the workplace, such as cloth face coverings, surgical masks, and respirators, to protect employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FAQs clarify the key differences between each type of mask, OSHA’s enforcement position on employers’ obligation to provide and pay for different types of masks, and when various provisions of OSHA’s respiratory protection standard are triggered through the use of face masks or respirators. Guidance on using face masks or coverings in the workplace is also included.

For guidance on workplace issues, please contact any member of Taft’s Employment & Labor Relations group.

 Please visit our COVID-19 Toolkit for all of Taft’s updates on the coronavirus.