COVID-19: What to Do if an Employee Feels Sick

There are times at every place of employment when an employee may start feeling ill. There are various things that may cause illness, and it may not always necessitate medical treatment, and there may also be times when an ill employee may not be able to leave the workplace immediately. If the worker is unable to drive, the employer may have to wait for a family member to arrive or, if serious, an ambulance. The illness may not be serious and may not be related to COVID-19. However, with the current concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be a good idea to have safety procedures in place.

  • Encourage employees not to report to work if they feel ill, have a temperature, nausea, etc.
  • Consider taking temperatures of employees upon arrival to work.
  • Encourage employees to report feelings of illness promptly if already at work.
  • Designate specific individuals that will assist with ill employees.
  • Ask ill employees about their symptoms (individuals with these symptoms or combination of symptoms may have COVID-19):
    • Cough;
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
    • Fever;
    • Chills;
    • Repeated shaking with chills;
    • Muscle pain;
    • Headache;
    • Sore throat; or
    • New loss of taste or smell.
  • Notify EMS/911 if symptoms appear serious or life-threatening.
  • Designate a specific isolation area for ill workers.
    • Do not use the area for any other activities.
    • Do not allow unauthorized personnel to enter.
    • Locate the isolation area away from others and as close to an exterior exit as possible.
    • Place DO NOT ENTER signs on entry doors.
    • Ensure the area has good ventilation.
    • Do not eat food or drink beverages in this area.
  • Ensure proper PPE is available and used by the individuals designated to assist with ill workers:
    • Mask (covering both mouth and nose and fits snuggly);
    • Gloves;
    • Hand sanitizer;
    • Disinfecting wipes;
    • Respirators; and
    • Full bodysuits.
  • Ensure the ill employee is wearing appropriate PPE:
    • Mask (covering both mouth and nose and fits snuggly);
    • Gloves; and
    • Hand sanitizer.
  • Provide handwashing stations.
    • Place signs listing handwashing instructions.
    • Use soap and running water.
    • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds.
    • Scrub all surfaces of the hands, between fingers, and around/under nailbeds.
    • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available (60% alcohol).
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet.
  • Clean and disinfect the isolation area and any other areas/surfaces the ill worker may have contacted.
    • Use soap and water followed by an EPA-registered disinfectant.
    • Read and follow the instructions on the disinfectant’s label.
    • Maintain good ventilation in the area.
    • Wear gloves, masks, gowns, and other PPE while cleaning
    • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, tools, equipment, machinery, and electronics.
    • Use appropriate cleaners for soft surfaces such as carpeted floors, rugs, and drapes.
    • Launder soft surfaces, if possible, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Disinfect soft surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant if cleaning/laundering is not possible.
    • Place used gloves, facemasks, and other contaminated items in a lined trash can.
    • Use gloves when removing, handling, or disposing of trash and garbage bags.
    • Wash hands after handling trash and garbage bags and when cleaning is complete.
    • Use a dedicated and clearly marked trash can (biohazard container).
    • Close off areas used by the person who is sick.
    • Open outside doors and windows and use fans to increase airflow.
    • Once the area has been appropriately disinfected, it can be reopened for use.
  • Educate workers that will assist ill employees and that will be performing cleaning, disinfecting, and trash pick-up.
    • To recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
    • On what to do if they develop symptoms.
    • How to use, put on, take off, and when to use PPE.
    • On the hazards of the cleaning chemicals.
    • On Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030).
    • On proper disposal of regulated waste & PPE (29 CFR 1910.132).

KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, place or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers or place of business.

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