OSHA Limits Long-Awaited Virus Safety Rule to Health Care (3)

The first nationwide emergency workplace safety rule, requiring health-care employers to protect workers against on-the-job Covid-19 infection, has been published on OSHA’s website.

The emergency temporary standard released Thursday applies only in the health-care sector and will be supplemented by voluntary guidance for other industries. The rule takes effect upon publication in the Federal Register, but it’s not immediately clear when that will happen.

It requires implementation of an infection-control plan developed with worker participation as well as the wearing of masks and respirators, mandates Covid-19 screenings at entry points, and compels paid time off for employees to get ...