OSHA Directive Outlines NEP-Coronavirus Disease

Mar 24, 2021

OSHA recently released a new directive that reflects federal mandates under the National Emphasis Program (NEP)-Coronavirus Disease 2019.  These policies are designed to protect employees in high hazard industries from contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes coronavirus disease.

Based on its latest data, OSHA has identified industries expected to have the highest number of workers performing tasks associated with exposure to COVID-19. This includes both healthcare and non-healthcare industries. OSHA notes COVID-19 hazards may occur in industries that are not included in the list; conversely, no assumptions should be made that exposure occurs in all the industries that are named.

The NEP also augments OSHA’s existing efforts regarding complaint handling related to COVID-19 activities and employer retaliation.

Click Here to view the complete National Emphasis Program – Coronavirus Disease 2019. Primary target industries for the COVID-19 NEP are listed in Appendix A.