OSHA: Cover Cost of Vaccine, Do Not Distinguish Vaccinated

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently issued workplace safety guidance for employers that includes a recommendation that they cover COVID-19 vaccination costs.

The new guidelines, which in general mirror existing U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, call for face coverings, social distancing and contact-tracing. They also call for employers to implement COVID-19 prevention programs, separate and send home sick workers, improve safety communication with workers, install barriers, provide personal protective equipment, and routinely clean and disinfect.

The guidelines also suggest employers consider protections and “reasonable accommodations” for workers at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, naming older adults and workers with underlying health conditions as among those who may need modifications.

OSHA is also calling on employers to cover employee vaccinations for COVID-19 and to not distinguish between workers who are vaccinated and those who are not.

Source: Business Insurance