Appendix 1: COVID-19 Safe Federal Workplace:
Agency Model Safety Principles
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide model safety principles for executive departments and agencies (hereafter, “agency” and collectively, “agencies”) as they build tailored COVID-19 workplace safety plans. In his Executive Order, “Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing,” dated January 20, 2021, President Biden established a “Safer Federal Workforce Task Force” to oversee the development and implementation of agency COVID-19 workplace safety plans across the Federal Government.
This document is primarily focused on application of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to the Federal workplace—specifically related to masking and physical distancing. This document is not meant to be comprehensive, and additional implementing guidance will follow as necessary.
This document establishes a minimum level for workplace safety standards associated with masking and physical distancing across the Federal government. In developing their own COVID-19 workplace safety plans, agencies should build upon these principles. Agencies should consult with the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force to discuss special circumstances or higher-risk work environments.
Agencies should use this document as a starting point for revisions of their existing COVID-19 workplace safety plans and adjust existing plans as necessary. Agencies with on-site contractor employees should address how the protocols below are being applied to contractor employees to ensure Federal workplace safety in the context of COVID-19.
Agency Actions
Agencies should:
- Immediately require correct and consistent use of masks and physical distancing consistent with current CDC guidance in all Federal buildings.[1]
- Review the safety principles below and adapt as necessary to meet the needs of the agency.
- Designate a COVID-19 coordination team within the agency.
In addition, the 24 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Act agencies must submit a COVID-19 workplace safety plan (revised or drafted consistent with the principles in this document) to the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, via the submission instructions in the cover memo accompanying this document, no later than January 29, 2021. While formally submitted COVID-19 workplace safety plans are only required of CFO Act agencies, the principles below should be applied to all Federal agencies and workplaces, including small and independent agencies. Agency implementation policies and plans should be consistent with the following principles and elements.
- ↑ See section 7(a)(ii) of the Executive Order, “Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing,” dated January 20, 2021: “[…]“Federal buildings” means buildings, or office space within buildings, owned, rented, or leased by the executive branch of which a substantial portion of occupants are Federal employees or Federal contractors […]”.
