Workplace Exposures

Washington — OSHA has issued updated COVID-19 guidance for workplaces – the “first step” by the Biden administration and new OSHA leadership to address the pandemic.

Gaithersburg, MD — A new online tool from the National Institute of Standards and Technology is intended to help curb airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

San Francisco — Only a small percentage of employers require or plan to require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, while more than 4 out of 10 are undecided, according to the results of a recent survey.

Rockville, MD — Of the 56.7 million to 74.3 million essential workers and their family members living with them who face an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, as many as 61% are at a heightened risk of severe COVID-19, results of a recent study led by researchers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggest.

Washington — The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health is calling on OSHA to enact an emergency temporary standard related to COVID-19 – an action the advocacy group says won’t require OSHA officials to reinvent the wheel.

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA will conduct public hearings in February and March, as well as accept public comment through April 2, on its proposal for a permanent COVID-19 workplace safety standard to replace the temporary rule enacted in November.

Washington — Bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced in the House and Senate would require the Mine Safety and Health Administration to issue an emergency temporary standard aimed at protecting mine workers from exposure to COVID-19.

Washington — Filtering facepiece respirators with an exhalation valve can be modified to reduce respiratory particle emissions – improving their effectiveness as a source control, according to a technical report recently published by the NIOSH National Personal Protective Laboratory.

Silver Spring, MD — In an effort to help keep construction workers and their families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training has introduced three infographics.

Richmond, VA — Virginia has become the first state/commonwealth to establish a long-term COVID-19 workplace standard.