In late January, OSHA issued guidance stating, "Employers should implement COVID-19 prevention programs." Guidance is not a standard or regulation, however, experts expect OSHA to issue new standards around mask wearing and other steps in the near future.
In addition, while more may come on board at any time, 16 states already require COVID-19 employee training. These include:
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- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
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Fortunately, Creative Workforce Solutions can have your employees up to speed and your business compliant quickly and easily.
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| Some Background |
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In mid-January, President Biden signed an Executive Order Protecting Worker Health and Safety. This required the Secretary of Labor and OSHA to swiftly issue revised workplace safety guidance for employers regarding the pandemic, including:
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Temporary emergency standards such as masks in the workplace. |
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Short-, medium-, and long-term changes to protect workers and ensure equitable enforcement. |
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Focusing OSHA enforcement efforts on violations that put the largest number of workers at serious risk as well as breaches of antiretaliation policies. |
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Coordinating with states to align with updated guidance. |
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| What This Means for You |
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The OSHA guidance includes recommendations as well as mandatory safety and health standards. The goal is to assist employers in recognizing and abating hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm by outlining:
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What workers need to know about COVID-19 protections |
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The role of employers and workers in responding to COVID-19 |
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Recommended training for all employees |
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| Stay Current with Creative Workforce Solutions |
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As vaccines become more widely available, regulations change and you support in-workplace staff, you are being tasked with responsibility for providing a safe, healthy work environment that adheres to guidelines from the CDC as well as a variety of state and federal OSHA requirements.
Demonstrate your commitment to your employees' well-being and ensure that you remain compliant with all emerging mandates. Our on-staff physician assistant, Loretta Vitale, has been providing employee training and other COVID-19 preparedness services for companies reopening workplaces.
Send an email to Loretta today to open the conversation. She will reach out to discuss your state's specific requirements, your organization's needs and how you can benefit from time-efficient, customized workplace training.
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Practical HR for Tomorrow's Workforce
© 2021 Creative Workforce Solutions |
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