The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated. It was published on June 21 as an interim final rule.
OSHA has recently updated its COVID-19 Healthcare ETS webpage with additional summaries, fact sheets and planning tools.
AHA issued a regulatory advisory on July 2 which summarizes and details provisions within the standard.
The ETS is effective immediately, and employers must comply with most provisions by July 6, and with the physical barriers, ventilation and training requirements by July 21. The ETS is effective for six months. During that time, OSHA is required to engage in a public rulemaking process. Following this process, the agency may finalize the ETS as a permanent standard, with or without modification, based on public comments.
AHA has formally requested a 30 day delay in compliance and the comment period deadline.
For more information, please contact Andrew Jewett, Director, Hospital Preparedness Program at ajewett@iroquois.org.