Questions have arisen as to what Oregon Beekeepers need to do to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat. Following a review of the Governor’s Executive order, the OSHA “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19,” and contact with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Farm Bureau, it is clear that beekeeping is an essential agricultural activity that is engaged in the raising and/or transport of livestock (honeybees). Therefore, beekeeping may continue as long as it adheres to the Governor’s and OSHA guidelines.
The practice of beekeeping involves only minimal contact with others and beekeeping workers would be classified by OSHA as belonging to the “Lower Exposure Risk (Caution)” group. For that classification group, beekeepers with employees need to designate a person responsible to establish, implement and enforce distancing policies consistent with the guidance of the Oregon Health Authority. And, as appropriate, to implement the Guidelines on pages 7-11 of the OSHA Guidelines.
To aid you in complying, see: sample of a beekeeper’s policy, the Oregon Farm Bureau’s sample COVID-19 Workplace Policy (pages 9-10), the Governor’s Executive Order No. 20-12, and the OSHA guidance document (OSHA 3990).
Note: The above information is provided for your information. You are ultimately responsible for complying with the requirements. We make no claim that the policy or sample provided have been approved or accepted by any governmental agency.
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