Federal Manager's Daily Report

Image: Hiram Rios/Shutterstock.com

An inspector general audit has raised concerns about the health and safety protections for employees under the policies of individual EPA offices for returning employees to their regular workplaces once conditions permit it.

Like many agencies, the EPA in the spring developed a nationwide policy based on local conditions and CDC guidance, the report recounted, with three phases up to one in which locations are to return to their normal status although with scheduling flexibilities and social distancing plans in place. Local offices then developed their own specific plans.

In a review of those plans for 13 EPA offices, the IG found what it called substantial differences. For example: 11 require face coverings to be worn in common areas while two only recommend it and only one addresses how the requirement will be enforced; only four provide for scheduling flexibilities such as staggered work shifts for social distancing purposes; there was wide variation in how the building ventilation systems are to be addressed; and while all plans reference CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfecting, only three specific how often high-touch areas are to be cleaned.

The report added that seven are in buildings with other entities but none of them specify how they will reduce contact with the general public in common areas such as elevators.

“While some differences in the reopening plans could be warranted based on local conditions, the EPA should ensure that such differences do not place employees at an increased risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 disease merely as a result of their work location,” it said.

In response, management said it would review the location-specific reopening plans for phase 3 to ensure that they comply with agency-wide guidance, “while recognizing that some flexibility is needed given the difference in ownership, use, and ages of agency buildings.”

VA Drawing Plans for Vaccinating Employees, Veterans

Order on Redesignating Policy Positions Turning into a Race

Frontline Federal Employees Look to Vaccine as Infections, FECA Claims Rise

Federal Manager’s Handbook, 6th Ed.