On August 13, 2021 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new guidance on how employers can protect their employees from COVID-19. OSHA’s guidance now aligns with the most recent guidance from CDC on several important areas including:

  • OSHA guidelines now reflect the July 27, 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask and testing recommendations for fully vaccinated people. OSHA has adopted recommendations to mirror the CDC’s mask and testing recommendations for fully vaccinated people.
  • Fully vaccinated people wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
  • Choosing to wear a mask regardless of level of transmission, particularly if individuals are at risk or have someone in their household who is at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
  • Fully vaccinated people getting tested three to five days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wearing a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure, or until a negative test result.
  • Reorganize Appendix recommendations for Manufacturing, Meat and Poultry Processing, Seafood Processing, and Agricultural Processing Industries.
  • Add links to guidance with the most up-to-date content.

This guidance is intended to help employers and workers NOT covered by the OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for Healthcare.

CLICK HERE for a summary and a guide to implement these new guidelines from OSHA.