January 7, 2022

Updates on OSHA’s COVID-19 emergency temporary standards, DWC fatal injury data and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA withdraws portions of COVID-19 temporary standard for health care

On December 27, OSHA announced the withdrawal of non-recordkeeping portions of the emergency temporary standard (ETS) for the health care industry. The agency intends to continue work on a final rule while enforcing the General Duty Clause and respiratory protection standard.

The vaccination-or-test ETS is back in force

The stay has been lifted on OSHA’s vaccination and testing ETS, meaning eligible employers are now expected to comply. Businesses with more than 100 employees must require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing by January 4.

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)

DWC releases 2020 fatal injury data (PDF 1.44MB)

DWC released the 2020 edition of the Census for Fatal Occupation Injuries, which includes a variety of information on the 469 fatal workplace injuries in Texas. The report does not include COVID-19-related deaths.

DWC announces new safety professional online seminars

This year, DWC will be offering free seminars to teach new safety professionals about safety programs and recordkeeping. The Safety Pro seminars will be conducted virtually and consist of two sessions held across two separate days.

Studies, resources, trends, news

Five elements for an oil and gas emergency response plan

For those in the oil and gas industry, an Oilman Magazine article shares five tips for an effective emergency response plan. The tips involve gaining a proper understanding of a response plan, identifying potential hazards, evaluating the facility’s resources, continuing employee training and updating the plan as needed.