OSHA amplifies workplace safety guidelines in bid to prevent COVID spread
New measures are viewed favorably by industry groups and advocacy organizations.
Workplace safety took a significant step forward late last week as the Biden administration revamped and strengthened Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines to protect employers and their workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The guidelines, which are not a standard or regulations and create no new legal obligations, focus on helping organizations implement coronavirus prevention programs. Prevention, OSHA said in a press release announcing the guidelines, is the most effective way to reduce the spread of the virus.
President Joe Biden on January 21st ordered OSHA to come up with the strengthened guidelines, and to evaluate whether temporary emergency standards are required, and if necessary, issue them by March 15th.
The new guidance recommends several essential elements in a prevention program:
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