OSHA Revises Enforcement Policies

As states begin reopening their economies, OSHA has issued two revised enforcement policies to “ensure employers are taking action to protect their employees.”

First, OSHA is increasing in-person inspections at all types of workplaces. Second, OSHA is revising its previous enforcement policy for recording cases of coronavirus. Under OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, coronavirus is a recordable illness, and employers are responsible for recording cases of the coronavirus, if the case:

• Is confirmed as a coronavirus illness;
• Is work-related as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5; and
• Involves one or more of the general recording criteria in 29 CFR 1904.7, such as medical treatment beyond first aid or days away from work.

5/20/2020