Complete Story
07/07/2021
COVID Updates from OSHA and EEOC
From OSHA:
On June 10, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard for occupational exposure to COVID-19 that requires certain health care employers to help protect their workers in settings where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated.
Go here to determine If your workplace covered by the COVID 19 Healthcare ETS.
The ETS requires covered health care employers to develop and implement a COVID-19 plan to identify and control COVID-19 hazards in the workplace. Covered employers also must implement other requirements to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in their workplaces. Among other provisions, the standard also requires employers to provide reasonable time and paid leave for employee vaccinations and any side effects.
OSHA also posted related summaries, fact sheets, and compliance assistance materials and tools.
OSMA is working on an OSHA webinar to be available this fall.
From EEOC:
In May, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released new guidance for employers related to offering and requiring employees with disabilities to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The EEOC’s position is that federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws do not prevent an employer from requiring all employees physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated for COVID-19, subject to reasonable accommodation provisions of federal nondiscrimination laws however, there are some steps the employer must take. And, the term “disability” encompasses a variety of situations and conditions – many beyond those typically considered by employers.
