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OSHA Seeks Comments on Proposed Final COVID-19 Standard for Healthcare Settings

Mar 22, 2022

OSHA has reopened the rulemaking record and scheduled an informal public hearing as it works to develop a final standard to protect healthcare and healthcare support service workers from workplace exposure to COVID-19. Electronic comments are due by April 22, 2022.

On June 21, 2021, OSHA issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect workers in healthcare settings from occupational exposure to COVID-19. The ETS – which also served as a proposed rule – focused on healthcare workers most likely to have contact with people infected with the virus.

In reopening the rulemaking record, the agency is seeking new data and comments on a wide range of topics:

  • Alignment with CDC's recommendations for healthcare infection control procedures
  • Additional flexibility for employers
  • Removal of scope exemptions
  • Tailoring controls to address interactions with people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
  • Employer support for employees who wish to be vaccinated
  • Limited coverage of construction activities in healthcare settings
  • COVID-19 recordkeeping and reporting provisions
  • Triggering requirements based on community transmission levels
  • The potential evolution of SARS-CoV-2 into a second novel strain
  • The health effects and risk of COVID-19 since the ETS was issued
Learn more in the Federal Register notice.

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