Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration plays a large role in regulating, monitoring, educating, and investigating America's workplaces. As such, the coalition closely monitors OSHA and its efforts.

OSHA FAQ on Recording Adverse Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccine

May 24, 2021

On Friday, May 21, OSHA altered its FAQ on recording requirements related to adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccination. OSHA explains that the agency “does not wish to have any appearance of discouraging workers from receiving COVID-19 vaccination, and also does not wish to disincentivize employers’ vaccination efforts.” Therefore, the agency will not require employers…

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OSHA Launches National Emphasis Program on COVID-19

March 13, 2021

On March 12, 2021, OSHA announced a new National Emphasis Program “focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus.” The program also “prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.”…

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OSHA Issues New Workplace COVID-19 Safety Guidance

January 30, 2021

On January 29, 2021, OSHA issued new workplace safety guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As OSHA explained in their press release, “This guidance contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and…

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OSHA Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Ventilation

November 9, 2020

On November 4, OSHA issued new guidance on ventilation in the workplace. OSHA recommends, “Employers should work with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional to consider steps to optimize building ventilation.” The guidance provides several tips on how employers can help reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19.

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OSHA Issues New FAQ on Use of N95 Respirators Against Coronavirus

October 20, 2020

Washington, D.C. – On October 19, OSHA issued a new frequently asked question (FAQ) on “how N95 respirators effectively protect wearers from coronavirus exposure. The FAQ was issued in response to incorrect claims that the respirators do not adequately protect individuals from the virus.   OSHA explains that the masks use a combination of factors, including mechanical filtration and…

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OSHA Issues New FAQs on Reporting Work-Related Cases of COVID-19

October 2, 2020

Washington, D.C. – On September 30, OSHA added three new frequently asked questions to its comprehensive COVID-19 guidance for employers. The new questions provided much needed insight into how employers should report work-related cases of coronavirus. CWS applauds and thanks OSHA for its continued commitment to guiding the employer community through this complicated and unprecedented period.

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OSHA Now Publicizing Annual Injury and Illness Reports

September 10, 2020

Washington, D.C. – OSHA has begun posting employers’ injury and illness annual summary reports (Form 300A submissions) on its website. The website currently includes data from 2016 through 2018. OSHA has not announced when 2019 data will be posted. The Form 300A reporting mandate applies to all workplaces with 250 or more employees and locations…

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OSHA Issues New Guidance on How to Safely Return to Work

June 19, 2020

Washington, D.C. – On June 18, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new guidance “to assist employers reopening non-esssential businesses and their employees returning to work during the evolving coronavirus pandemic.” OSHA encourages employers to use the guidance to develop policies and procedures that will ensure the safety and health of their…

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OSHA: “Worker Safety & Health Remain DOL Priority”

June 15, 2020

Washington, D.C. – On June 15, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a News Release “reminding employers that worker safety remains a priority amid both coronavirus and common workplace hazards.” In the News Release, OSHA recommends various actions for employers to consider as they begin to reopen and restart…

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OSHA Resources for COVID-19

May 13, 2020

Throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis, OSHA has released and frequently updated guidance and resources on workplace safety as it relates to the pandemic. To view more news, standards, and guidance, visit OSHA’s COVID-19 Resources Page.

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