NASF Regulatory Alert: OSHA Launches COVID-19 National Emphasis Program
OSHA launched a new National Emphasis Program to protect high-risk workers from COVID-19 hazards. The program prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers who complain about unsafe or unhealthful conditions.
OSHA launched and published a National Emphasis Program — Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to target establishments that have workers with increased potential exposure, and that put the largest number of workers at serious risk.
The agency notes that the NEP will use inspection targeting, outreach, and compliance assistance to address this hazard. In addition, the COVID-19 NEP includes an added focus to ensure that workers are protected from retaliation.
OSHA notes it will be accomplishing this by preventing retaliation where possible, distributing anti-retaliation information during inspections and outreach opportunities, as well as referring allegations of retaliation to the Whistleblower Protection Program.
The COVID-19 NEP can be found here.
OSHA has also issued an Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to prioritize the use of on-site workplace inspections where practical, or a combination of on-site and remote methods.
On March 18, 2021, OSHA will rescind its earlier May 26, 2020 memorandum on this topic and the new guidance will go into effect until further notice.
The Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is attached and is also posted on OSHA’s website.
The agency is expected to issue a new workplace Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19 next week, per the President's January Executive Order.
NASF will be providing input to OSHA on the standard.
If you have questions, you may reach the NASF by contacting Jeff Hannapel at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com or Christian Richter at crichter@thepolicygroup.com
This update is courtesy of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). For more information or to become a member, visit nasf.org.
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