OSHA has taken its COVID-19 guidance a significant step further by recommending employers require their employees to vaccinate against COVID-19. As of August 13, 2021, OSHA has included these new recommendations for employers to protect workers and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
OSHA’s revised recommendations to employers include the following:
- Allow employees to be vaccinated during business hours;
- Encourage employees to wear masks in public outdoor settings (except for those unable to due to disability or religious accommodations);
- Work with public health authorities to provide vaccinations to employees; and
- Modify business policies or a COVID-19 protection program that require employees to be vaccinated or require regular COVID test for those employees who remain unvaccined.
The full text of the revised guidance can be found at https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework
OSHA asserts vaccination is key to maintain a safe workplace. Employers should consider their business needs and employee risks of exposure to determine what OSHA recommendations to implement. Consider discussing these options with a business attorney to evaluate whether your business should make any changes to its current COVID-19 policies.
