NSC Statement on OSHA’s Issuance of Emergency Temporary Standard

Itasca, IL – National Safety Council supports the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OHSA) release of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) focused on health care workers today. This standard is an important action to protect some of the most vulnerable workers. Last summer, NSC realized the threat COVID-19 posed to the health and safety of workers and called on OSHA to issue a standard then to address distancing, personal protective equipment recommendations, sanitation availability, hierarchy of controls, screening protocols, and workplace response plan development.

NSC recognizes the need for additional guidance to help employers not covered by the ETS and is currently reviewing the guidance OSHA issued. Ultimately, NSC recommends employers take a risk-based approach for their specific work environment to ensure the safety of all workers.

Additionally, employers must continue to lead U.S. vaccine promotion and uptake efforts, understanding this is the best route to a safe, collaborative and productive work environment. NSC stands ready to assist both the public and private sector in helping employers safely and effectively navigate the evolving work environment. For more information and resources from the NSC SAFER effort, visit nsc.org/safer.

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 100 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

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NSC Statement on OSHA’s Issuance of Emergency Temporary Standard

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