OSHA Announces COVID-19 Safety Rule for the Healthcare Sector

On June 10, 2021, OSHA released the highly anticipated Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) related to occupational exposure to COVID-19 in the healthcare sector. Consistent with the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, the ETS provides that unless required by other laws, rules, or regulations, most employers no longer need to take steps to protect their fully vaccinated workers who are not otherwise at risk from COVID-19 exposure.

The new ETS focuses on unvaccinated or otherwise at-risk workers and requires covered healthcare employers to develop and implement a COVID-19 plan to identify and control COVID-19 exposure in the workplace. Employers are required to continue social distancing protocols, ensure patients are properly screened for virus symptoms, and encourage vaccination by providing workers with paid time off to get vaccinated and recover from vaccine side effects. Additionally, there is an exemption for workplaces where all employees are fully vaccinated and individuals with possible COVID-19 are prohibited from entry. The ETS goes into effect on the date it is published in the Federal Register, which has not yet been determined.

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