Search

COVID-19 Rule Update: OSHA Gathers New Data, Postpones New Standard

Posted on 4/9/2021 by Lauren Scott

OSHA announced plans to delay its new COVID-19 workplace safety standard while it gathers updated information on SARS-CoV-2. US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh made the request for up-to-date “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis and the latest information regarding the state of vaccinations and the variants,” according to a Department of Labor spokesperson on April 6.

In an Executive Order, President Joe Biden initially gave OSHA a deadline of March 15 to establish new COVID-19 workplace safety regulations. While OSHA made some progress before then, the Agency missed the initial deadline.

OSHA posted the guidance on January 26 in response to the President’s Executive Order that directed the agency to take stronger action to protect workers. The guidance encouraged employers to implement a coronavirus prevention program, which the Agency said is the most effective way to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Agency then expanded its COVID-19 workplace inspection program under a new National Emphasis Program (NEP) on March 12. The program expands upon its existing inspection efforts to prioritize companies with the highest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the virus.   

Existing State COVID-19 Rules

Many states already require COVID-19 safety training  and other disease prevention protocols for employees. State safety regulators in Virginia and Oregon have written permanent COVID-19 standards for employers. 

In Virginia, these rules took effect on January 27. In Oregon, a permanent standard was recently proposed and, if finalized, will take effect on May 4.

Both State rules address (at a minimum):
  • Workplace risk assessment to identify jobs that could expose employees to SARS-CoV-2.
  • Use of administrative and engineering controls to prevent transmission. 
  • Employee training, notification, and information requirements.
  • Rules for respiratory protection, face coverings, and PPE.
  • Physical distancing and hygiene requirements.
  • Employee transportation to or from work.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting the workplace.
  • When and how formerly COVID-19 positive employees can return to work. 
Safety professionals can reasonably expect that a Federal COVID-19 Standard, if one is created, will follow a similar outline.
 

COVID-19 Training for Employees

The new COVID-19 Employee Safety Awareness online course will help satisfy Federal OSHA recommendations and state-level employee information and COVID-19 training requirements.

Employees who complete this course will be ready to:
  • Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors of COVID-19.
  • Describe how the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is transmitted.
  • Use general hygiene and work practices that limit COVID-19 exposure.
  • Use and care for personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
The course run time is one hour, and employees can complete it 100% online, at their own pace. Each employee who completes this course receives a Certificate that employers can use as part of employee training records to help satisfy OSH Act responsibilities and state-level COVID-19 training mandates.
 

Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, COVID-19 standard, osha, safety standard, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

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

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

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.