With the first quarter of 2021 behind us, here is a look back at some recent activity in the new Biden Administration. Both OSHA and the White House released additional guidance and Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) for COVID-19 as it relates to worker safety.
In January, President Biden, signed Executive Order 13999, which contained a call to action for OSHA. In this executive order, OSHA was required to develop and implement a National Emphasis Program (NEP) which has since become effective as of March 13, 2021. The NEP enhances other previously implemented OSHA ETS and outlines how high hazard industries and tasks are addressed. This includes the use of virtual and on-site inspections which prioritize instances of employer retaliation against workers with COVID-19 complaints, as well as work related COVID-19 cases. The NEP also states OSHA’s intent to expedite the process of issuing citations and confirming abatement. As for the States which have approved State Occupational Safety and Health Plans, OSHA will work with them to confirm consistency with the Federal ETS. The NEP is currently effective through March of 2022.
If you and your organization is interested in tracking the latest developments coming out of OSHA and other Federal agencies, schedule a demo of RegTracker, our latest notification service as part of RegScan FLEX.