OSHA Ramps up COVID-19-Related Inspections

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On March 21, 2021, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched its new COVID-19 National Emphasis Program (NEP) for increased inspection efforts to minimize the risk to employees of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace.

The NEP will focus enforcement efforts on coronavirus-related inspections. The program will remain in effect for up to one year, though OSHA retains the flexibility to amend or cancel the program as the pandemic eases.

With the warmer months of spring and summer on the horizon and the substantial increase in vaccine availability, many states are relaxing the restrictions put in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, with some repealing mask mandates and social distancing rules.

However, employers are still not out of the woods when it comes to COVID-19 OSHA compliance. OSHA’s new NEP emphasizes its commitment to continue enforcing rules mandating the use of masks, social distancing, and similar safety measures in the workplace.

For employers wishing to ease restrictions for workers and customers in line with local decisions to relax the rules, OSHA’s COVID-19 NEP should sound the alarm. To avoid fines or compliance actions from OSHA, don’t be tempted to break the rules. Compliance is also the best way to protect your business from COVID-19-related employee lawsuits.

Employers - especially those on the Master Lists or that OSHA previously cited for COVID-19-related violations - should review the OSHA guidance, ensure they have implemented all applicable infection prevention safety measures, and prepare for potential inspections.