The recently released Vaccination & Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) will require all policies, procedures and recordkeeping in place by February 9, 2022. OSHA's latest guidance for protecting workers against the spread of COVID-19 also includes a written plan with multi-layered prevention policies.
See below what OSHA has implemented to keep employees safe and mitigate liability:
COMPANIES WITH OVER 100 EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS OF THE OSHA VACCINATION & TESTING ETS BY FEBRUARY 9, 2021:
- Develop, implement, and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy
- Determination of employee vaccination status
- Support vaccination by providing employees reasonable time to receive each
vaccination dose, and paid sick leave to recover from side effects - COVID-19 testing for employees who are not fully vaccinated
- Employee notification to employer of a positive COVID-19 test and removal
- Face covering policy for unvaccinated employees
- Reporting COVID-19 fatalities and hospitalizations
- Inform each employee about the requirements of the ETS and any policies and procedures established to implement
- Recordkeeping protocols
OSHA's guidance regarding Covid-19 Prevention Plans include:
- Hazard assessment to minimize the risk of transmission for each employee
- Patient screening and management protocols
- Precautions based on CDC guidance
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) (including facemasks and, where appropriate, respirators)
- Physical distancing and barriers
- Cleaning and disinfection procedures
- Ventilation considerations
- Administrative & engineering controls
- Health screening and medical management
- Training on COVID-19 policies and procedures
- Recordkeeping protocols
HERE’S HOW CLEANHEALTH WILL HELP WITH COMPLIANCE:
1. CONDUCT HAZARD ASSESSMENTs
2. DEVELOP COVID-19 Prevention plans and policies
3. provide PROPER EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
WHETHER YOU NEED A COVID-19 PLAN CREATED OR TO MERELY FILL IN THE GAPS, COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW TO SCHEDULE A 15 MINUTE COMPLIMENTARY CALL TO REVIEW YOUR OSHA PROGRAMS.
- President Biden issued an executive order on January 21, 2021, “Protecting Worker Health and Safety” directing OSHA and the Department of Labor to issue science-based guidance for employers to assist in protecting workers from COVID-19.
- The American Rescue Act of 2021 (allocating $100 billion) provided COVID relief funding for OSHA enforcement and the development of a permanent standard on infectious disease.