Throughout the prolonged pandemic, we have provided education for our members on the latest workplace safety and health guidance while helping safety professionals prepare for OSHA emergency temporary standards (ETS). The agency announced a new ETS on Nov. 4 to further combat COVID-19 across the country. We are currently analyzing the new standard and assessing the legal challenges it faces to help all organizations understand its requirements and prepare for compliance.
The standard requires employers with 100 or more employees to develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to either be vaccinated or undergo regular testing and wear a face covering at work. OSHA estimates the standard will save thousands of lives and prevent more than 250,000 hospitalizations due to workplace exposure to COVID-19.
In addition to providing technical comments on the ETS later this month, ASSP expects to host a complimentary webinar featuring an OSHA representative who will speak to the technical aspects of the new standard to better inform occupational safety and health professionals. ASSP will provide more information as it becomes available.
ASSP takes safety and health seriously and strongly recommends adherence to all guidance from public health officials. Our goal is to offer you the highest quality educational resources in accessible formats to meet your evolving needs during the pandemic and beyond. Thank you for your diligent efforts to protect workers everywhere.
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ASSP Education and Meetings
At this time, ASSP continues to deliver public education courses virtually. We offer online instructor-led courses and live virtual classroom sessions. In addition, all meetings of the Board of Directors, Society councils and committees, and regional operating committees are being held virtually. We will share updates as they occur.
Chapter Guidance
As separate entities, ASSP chapters and their leaders must exercise good judgment in making decisions, and we strongly recommend they follow the Society's prudent approach. This includes assessing risks, working with event hosts to understand safety and health protocols, following the latest CDC guidance on gatherings, face coverings and other measures, and communicating these details frequently with your members. Doing so enables ASSP to achieve a safe and healthy operating environment across the entire organization. We understand the frustrations and disappointments caused by this extended pandemic and appreciate your thoughtful consideration and implementation of this guidance.
We thank all of our members and volunteer leaders for their dedication to safe practices and adherence to Society recommendations. Please contact your chapter directly with questions about local ASSP activities.
Featured Webinar
COVID-19: A Legal and Professional Update
Legal expert Courtney Malveaux shares an update on legal issues, industry best practices and employer compliance as it relates to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch View all COVID-19 webinars
*Please note: The information shared in this recording is based on information available as of Aug. 19, 2021, Please refer to the latest guidance from your local or state public health and government authorities.