New OSHA Standard Targets COVID-19 in Healthcare

ETS requires employers to help protect workers where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated

By Dan Hounsell


The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) that requires healthcare employers to help protect workers in settings where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated. OSHA has determined that employee exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 presents a grave danger to workers in healthcare settings where people with COVID-19 are reasonably expected to be present and has issued the ETS to address the hazard. 

According to the ETS, “During the period of the emergency standard, covered healthcare employers must develop and implement a COVID-19 plan to identify and control COVID-19 hazards in the workplace. Covered employers must also implement other requirements to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in their workplaces.”

Among the requirements are those related to ventilation, cleaning and disinfection, PPE, physical barriers, and physical distancing when feasible.



June 14, 2021


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Biofilm 'Life Raft' Changes C. Auris Risk

Microscopic survival structure protects fungal pathogen from disinfectants and help it survive for long periods.


How Healthcare Restrooms Are Rethinking Water Efficiency

Manufacturers discuss strategies, technologies and design approaches that help healthcare facilities meet their sustainability goals.


Northwell Health Finds Energy Savings in Steam Systems

Case study: A proactive steam trap maintenance program is delivering millions in savings, fast payback and measurable carbon reductions across one of the nation’s largest health systems.


The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Cleaning methods and products have various purposes in reducing the spread of germs.


Jupiter Medical Center Falls Victim to Third-Party Data Breach

The third party has determined through an investigation that, at least as early as January 22, 2025, an unauthorized third party gained access to personal health information on legacy systems.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.