OSHA withdraws ETS for occupation exposure to COVID-19

The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dec. 27 announced it is withdrawing its health care emergency temporary standard (ETS), originally issued June 21. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires the agency to finalize an ETS within six months of promulgation; a final standard was not released by Dec. 21, hence the withdrawal. In withdrawing the ETS, OSHA indicates that it will continue to work toward a permanent regulatory solution, while urging all health care employers to continue to implement the ETS’ requirements. In the meantime, OSHA will enforce the general duty clause and its standards, including those related to respiratory protection and PPE.