Tag: COVID-19 guidance

Respirator facemask FFR

OSHA Issues COVID-19 Enforcement Directive

On June 28, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an enforcement directive for its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS), which only applies to healthcare and healthcare support services employers. The directive includes exemptions from inspection and enforcement under the ETS for a number of tasks and facilities, such as: Provision of first aid […]

California and COVID-19

Taking a Closer Look: Understanding Cal/OSHA’s Latest COVID-19 Prevention ETS Revision

As reported in last week’s update, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board recently adopted the Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) regulation. On the same day as Cal/OSHA’s update, California Governor Gavin Newsom also signed Executive Order (EO) N-09-21, bypassing the standard 10-day approval period and allowing […]

California and Nevada, COVID-19

California Has New COVID-19 Rules

Except when required during outbreaks, California workers no longer need to wear face coverings outside, and fully vaccinated workers do not need to wear them indoors. However, workers are explicitly allowed to wear a face covering without fear of retaliation from employers. California workplaces have new emergency temporary standards (ETSs) for exposures to COVID-19. The […]

COVID-19 PPE, OSHA ETS

Healthcare Emergency COVID-19 Rule Effective Immediately

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard (ETS), which applies only to employers of healthcare and healthcare support services employees who potentially are exposed to COVID-19, became effective June 21 (86 FR 32376). Covered employers must comply with most provisions of the ETS by July 6 and with the physical barriers, ventilation, […]

COVID-19, Wildfire Smoke, and Ventilation

Are you prepared to fully reopen your facilities during an ongoing, if waning, pandemic and the threat of wildfires this summer? States and localities are rolling back pandemic precautions as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations roll out across the United States–President Biden pledged May 4 that 70 percent of American adults would receive at least […]

OSHA Relaxes COVID Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Workplaces

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is easing its COVID-19 recommendations for fully vaccinated workplaces, but the agency is still advising employers to take steps to protect any unvaccinated workers. On June 10, OSHA announced updated guidance along with new rules for frontline healthcare employers. The latest word from OSHA reflects new guidance from […]

OSHA concept

OSHA Issues Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Employers

On June 10, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its employer guidance regarding workplace COVID-19 exposures. The agency also announced it will issue an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for healthcare and healthcare support services employers.

Safety team, COVID-19 standard

COVID-19 Policies in Flux at Federal, State Levels

Federal and state workplace safety and health authorities have yet to provide employers with clear guidance after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted recommendations for face coverings and social distancing for people fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

COVID-19 safety in the workplace

NSC Weighs in on Updated COVID-19 Guidance from CDC

On May 14, the National Safety Council (NSC) expressed cautious support for updated COVID-19 recommendations for fully vaccinated people from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC stated on May 13 that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or maintain physical distance from others in any indoor or […]

COVID-19 PPE, OSHA ETS

Safety Advocates: OSHA COVID-19 Guidance Is First Step, ETS Needed

Workplace safety and health organizations acknowledged the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) updated guidance on protecting employees from COVID-19 exposures as an important first step but reiterated their support for an enforceable emergency temporary standard (ETS).