Last Updated on November 11, 2021 by G. T. HR

Details on OSHA ETS Requirements for Employers

On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) to address the grave danger of COVID-19 infection in the workplace.

Affected employers will be required to comply with most provisions of the ETS by Dec. 5, 2021, and with its testing requirements by Jan. 4, 2022. Affected employers include private employers with 100 or more employees (firm- or company-wide count). State plans will have 30 days to adopt the federal ETS or implement their own vaccination standard.

OSHA ETS Requirements

The ETS requires employers to:

• Develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy; or
• Create a policy allowing employees to choose to get a vaccination or wear a face-covering in the workplace and have weekly COVID-19 testing done.

Employers must determine the vaccination status of each employee, obtain acceptable proof of vaccination and keep a roster of each employee’s vaccinations status.

Weekly Testing Requirements

Employees who are not fully vaccinated must be tested weekly or within seven days before returning to work. The ETS does not require employers to pay for any costs associated with testing. However, employer payment for testing may be required by other laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, or other collectively negotiated agreements.

Paid Leave

Employers must allow reasonable time—including up to four hours of paid time—to receive a primary vaccination dose. The ETS requires reasonable time and paid sick leave to recover from any side effects of the vaccination. Employees are required to provide immediate notice of a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis and will be removed immediately from work until return to work criteria are met.

Questions about OSHA COVID-19 Compliance?

MyHRConcierge can help.

For detailed questions about employee screening, let MyHRScreens help. Contact klewis@myhrscreens.com today to ask questions or set up an appointment.

For more information regarding COVID/HR policies during the COVID-19 crisis or assistance with other HR needs, contact MyHRConcierge at 1-855-538-6947 x.108 or email ccooley@myhrconcierge.com.