Biden Issues Workplace Health and Safety Executive Order

Biden Issues Workplace Health and Safety Executive Order

The Jan. 22 executive order instructs OSHA to clarify and update COVID-19 safety recommendations.

President Biden signed an executive order that instructs OSHA to revise its COVID-19 safety recommendations on Jan. 22, according to The Washington Post.

The order, which is called the “Executive Order on Protecting Health and Safety,” requires OSHA to publish the updated recommendations within two weeks. There will need to be a guidance that informs employers on how to maintain safety in the workplace during the pandemic. The order also instructs OSHA to consider whether an emergency temporary standard on coronavirus needs to be passed. If it is determined that this is the case, then such guidance must be issued by March 15.

“Ensuring the health and safety of workers is a national priority and a moral imperative,” Biden said in the order. “Healthcare workers and other essential workers, many of whom are people of color and immigrants, have put their lives on the line during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic...The Federal Government must take swift action to reduce the risk that workers may contract COVID-19 in the workplace.”

David Michaels, the former head of OSHA under the Obama administration, told NPR that despite this executive order, “federal OSHA can only go so far.” He cited this as the reason that President Biden asked Congress to pass legislation that “strengthens and expands OSHA’s authority.”

If OSHA issues an emergency temporary standard by the March 15 deadline, it could include a workplace mask-wearing mandate, as well as mandatory social distancing.

Learn more about the Biden administration's plans for improving worker safety by listening to this Safety Speak episode of the OH&S SafetyPod.

About the Author

Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. Read More

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars