Deadline extended for comments on COVID-19 emergency standard for healthcare workers

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is taking extra time to hear comments about its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard for healthcare workers.

The federal agency recently extended the deadline for comments until Aug. 20, so that stakeholders have additional time to weigh in on the standard.

The standard was developed to protect healthcare and healthcare support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19. Covered employers include hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Workers affected by the standard include emergency responders, home healthcare workers, and employees in ambulatory care settings where coronavirus patients are treated.

The ETS requires covered health care employers to develop and implement a plan to control COVID-19 hazards in the workplace. The ETS also implements requirements relating to health screenings, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), controls for aerosol-generating procedures, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection protocols, ventilation standards, and employee training.

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