I ran @OSHA_DOL for 7+ years.
Not surprisingly, many people are asking me “How will the OSHA vaccination requirement be enforced?”
For the most part, it will not need to be enforced by OSHA inspectors and inspections.
Let me explain. 1/
Not surprisingly, many people are asking me “How will the OSHA vaccination requirement be enforced?”
For the most part, it will not need to be enforced by OSHA inspectors and inspections.
Let me explain. 1/
OSHA standards are powerful tools to change conditions at 1000s of workplaces, without OSHA ever having to inspect.
Most employers try to be law abiding. When OSHA issues a standard, their attorneys and HR staff tell them how to comply with the standard. 2/
Most employers try to be law abiding. When OSHA issues a standard, their attorneys and HR staff tell them how to comply with the standard. 2/
In fact, compliance generally starts to happen when the rule is announced, even before it goes into effect.
Further, in this case, I believe that many employers and workers will embrace this new standard. 3/
Further, in this case, I believe that many employers and workers will embrace this new standard. 3/
Employers want their workers to be safe and healthy but many have been hesitant to require vaccinations – now they can say the federal government is requiring it. 4/
Many workers will feel more confident returning to work, knowing their workplaces are safer.
And they will be able to complain to OSHA if employers aren’t complying with the new requirements. 5/
And they will be able to complain to OSHA if employers aren’t complying with the new requirements. 5/
In those cases, OSHA can inspect and issue a fine, often accompanied by a press release.
Why a press release - it signals to other employers they risk a fine, as well as being labeled a scofflaw, if they don't comply. 6/
Why a press release - it signals to other employers they risk a fine, as well as being labeled a scofflaw, if they don't comply. 6/
Workplace vaccination requirements are a vital first step, but there is compelling evidence they are not enough to stop transmission.
This is a missed opportunity to apply the basic public health precautions we know are needed to protect workers and stem the pandemic. 7/
This is a missed opportunity to apply the basic public health precautions we know are needed to protect workers and stem the pandemic. 7/
Until we get this pandemic under control, we need an OSHA standard requiring masks in indoor workplaces - including retail establishments, gyms & restaurants - and beefing up ventilation and filtration, so workers (and customers) can breathe virus-free air. 8/
And the OSHA standard should cover all workplaces. There is no reason to limit these protections to only those workplaces with 100 or more workers. 9/
The White House has finally recognized that OSHA is a key component of the public health infrastructure and it is using it to help stop virus transmission and save lives.
In sum, this is an excellent first step but more is needed. 10/
In sum, this is an excellent first step but more is needed. 10/
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