OSHA issues COVID-19 emergency standards for health care workers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The standard was developed to protect health care and health care support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19. The ETS is expected to become effective as soon as it is published in the Federal Register. 

Covered employers include hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Workers affected by the standards include emergency responders, home health care workers, and employees in ambulatory care settings where coronavirus patients are treated.

What the ETS Requires

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.

OSHA will update the standard, if necessary, to align with CDC guidelines and changes for the pandemic.

Employee Vaccination

The standard encourages vaccinations by requiring employers to provide time off and paid leave for workers to receive vaccinations and to recover from any side effects.

Respiratory Program

The ETS also encourages proper employee respirator use when those devices are used instead of required face masks.