OSHA has implemented a focused inspection initiative to supplement the COVID-19 National Emphasis Program (NEP) issued last year. The NEP includes all industries with high exposure to COVID-19. This current initiative, to be conducted from March 9, 2022, through June 9, 2022, focuses specifically on healthcare – including skilled nursing and assisted living – and focuses mostly on employers who have either received COVID-19-related citations before or had other interaction with DOSH regarding complaints or reporting under recordkeeping and reporting rules.
Inspections under this initiative may be remote-only or conducted onsite. If your facility is selected, you will be told why during an opening conference. If selected under this initiative, the compliance officer is restricted to COVID-19 related programs only (e.g., respiratory protection, COVID-19 plan, PPE, and other measures recommended by the CDC.) Read the Standard Interpretations for the initiative.
It is important to note that while the focus initiative ends on June 9, the NEP is slated to expire July 7 unless extended. If you have any questions regarding program materials, please contact Shamus Harmon, ERNwest Loss Control Manager, at sharmon@ernwest.com or 253-237-0819.