COVID-19 Update 2/1/2021

New Worker Safety Guidelines from OSHA

On January 29, the U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA issued new guidance for workplaces to help identify risks of being exposed to and/or contracting COVID-19 at work and to help them determine appropriate control measures to implement.  The information can be found here.

This guidance contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards.  The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace.

 I-CAR Outlines 2021 COVID Plans

On January 15, I-CAR shared a series of updated actions, plans, and policies to support its 2021 Industry Relief program. The program launched last March and is designed to ensure the health and safety of all, while also allowing individuals and businesses to maintain credentialing status in a viable manner and with program integrity.

Key actions, plans and policy updates effective immediately include:

• For Individuals and businesses located in States with COVID-19 policies that require I-CAR to cease in-shop delivery, or any individual or business where I-CAR is unable to deliver training due to the pandemic: 
• Platinum individuals and Gold Class Businesses will have their renewal date extended 6 months from their original renewal date. Note: 2022 renewal dates remain unchanged from the original 2021 date. 
• Impacted individuals with active welding certifications will have their welding certifications extended 6 months from their original renewal date. 
• Please note: Impacted shops will be informed by I-CAR. 
• Expanded In-Shop Training event policies and safety practices, to keep instructors and students safe. Practices reflect the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. 
• Continued, complimentary access to I-CAR’s Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal through June 30, 2021, offering an online technical portal that provides collision repair best practices, OEM-specific searches, information and news. 
• Special discounted Hands-On Skills Development course packages, in which MIG Brazing and Spot Welding courses are purchased together as a form of financial assistance for shops pursuing 50/100 scaling, with an emphasis on safety practices in eligible states.
• Recently launched Get to Gold Class package continues to provide shops with payment options to support achievement of Gold Class recognition in 2021. 
• Continued access to I-CAR’s full suite of On-Line and Virtual/Instructor-led, web-based training, including Virtual/Instructor led courses that were converted from a Live, in-person format until it is safe to once again deliver in a live classroom.

Details on I-CAR’s Industry Relief Program can be found here.

Note: This content and analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  Please consult your legal and financial advisors for detailed information before taking any action.