OSHA launches program to protect high-risk workers from COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last week launched a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to ensure that employees in high-hazard industries or work tasks are protected from COVID-19.

The program also prioritizes enforcement efforts on employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

"This deadly pandemic has taken a staggering toll on U.S. workers and their families. We have a moral obligation to do what we can to protect workers, especially for the many who have no other protection," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jim Frederick.

OSHA has also updated its Interim Enforcement Response Plan to prioritize the use of on-site workplace inspections where practical, or a combination of on-site and remote methods. OSHA will only use remote-only inspections if the agency determines that on-site inspections cannot be performed safely.

Click here to access the OSHA enforcement directive.

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