Search

OSHA Updates COVID-19 Enforcement Guidance

Posted on 5/26/2020 by Roger Marks

OSHA last week released revised guidance concerning workplace safety compliance during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The revised guidance for area offices and compliance officers sets a framework for how OSHA will enforce workplace safety regulations in two types of geographic areas: Those were community spread of COVID-19 has significantly decreased and those experiencing elevated community transmission or a resurgence in cases.

In areas where community transmission has significantly decreased OSHA will return to business-as-usual for the most part. Officers will rely on the pre-COVID inspection planning policy in these areas. OSHA will continue to prioritize COVID-19 cases in these areas, however.

OSHA will take a different approach in areas where community transmission is sustained or experiencing a resurgence. In these areas, OSHA will prioritize COVID-19 fatalities and imminent danger exposures for inspection. Particular attention will be focused on high-risk workplaces like hospitals and healthcare providers treating COVID-19 patients.

The updated enforcement guidance includes a number of exhibits for OSHA officers, including examples of how to cite the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act in coronavirus-related cases.

OSHA also released updated enforcement guidance specific to recording workplace cases of COVID-19. OSHA makes it clear that they will enforce the recordkeeping requirements for workplace illnesses and injuries for all employers. The guidance includes a discussion of how employers can determine the “work-relatedness” of a novel coronavirus case.

OSHA will rescind its previous COVID-19 enforcement memo on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

Read more about OSHA's COVID-19 enforcement efforts. 

For links to more coronavirus-related OSHA guidance for employers, see our Coronavirus EHS News Hub.
 

Convenient, Online OSHA Safety TrainingOnline training

Industry professionals worldwide are turning to online training to keep operations on track and protect employees. Lion’s online OSHA courses can help ensure your workers know their responsibilities, even when your team is spread out across multiple locations.
 
Lion’s most popular OSHA courses:
Respiratory Protection (in English or Spanish)
Personal Protective Equipment
10-Hour OSHA General Industry
Introduction to Industrial Hygiene
Health and Safety Management
 

Tags: coronavirus, covid19, osha, reporting and recordkeeping, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.