November 19, 2021

The latest on OSHA's COVID-19 ETS, ergonomic best practices for manufacturing and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA suspends vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) enforcement

OSHA has suspended implementation and enforcement activities involving the newest COVID-19 ETS, which would require larger employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccination and/or testing. The action resulted from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals continuing its stay of the standard due to a variety of reasons involving the impact on employers. The 5th Circuit is one of 12 federal circuits and litigation is currently ongoing.

Federal appeals court will hear challenge to COVID-19 ETS

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has been selected through a lottery drawing to hear a consolidated challenge to OSHA’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing ETS. As of November 17, 27 petitions had been filed for review across all 12 federal circuits. A hearing date has not yet been set.

Studies, resources, trends, news

Tips on ergonomics for manufacturing employees

An EHS Today article discusses manufacturing ergonomics and tips for improving the workplace. Five awkward postures are discussed as well as seven steps to implement a successful ergonomics program.

Frontline workers’ feel safety concerns aren’t being addressed

In a survey from SafetyCulture, 66% of frontline worker respondents felt management rarely, never or only sometimes listened to their concerns regarding operations, safety and health. The study covered American, Australian and British frontline workers. Other trends from the survey included a fear of retaliation when reporting COVID-19 concerns and reservations to provide feedback due to lack of company action.