OSHA Issues Guidance on Healthcare Worker Safety Amid Global Pandemic

On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard, a 900-page document designed to provide protections for healthcare workers from COVID-19.  According to OSHA, “The emergency temporary standard establishes new requirements for settings where employees provide healthcare or healthcare support services, including skilled nursing homes and home healthcare, with some exemptions for healthcare providers who screen out patients who may have COVID-19. OSHA will update the standard, if necessary, to align with United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and changes in the pandemic.” The American Dental Association is currently reviewing the standard to better understand its impact on the provision of dentistry and how it will affect dental practices. Click here to read more.