OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard Policies
Under OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”), employers are required to develop, implement, and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, with an exception for employers that instead establish, implement, and enforce a policy allowing employees to elect either to get vaccinated or to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at the workplace. To assist employers in meeting this requirement, OSHA has provided two (2) sample policies for employers to adapt to their organization:
According to an OSHA update, the agency "will not issue citations for noncompliance with any requirements of the ETS before Jan. 10, 2022, and will not issue citations for noncompliance with the standard's testing requirements before Feb. 9, 2022, so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance with the standard." Due to the upcoming enforcement deadline, HR Partners recommends employers prepare and implement the policy that represents the employer’s chosen method of compliance.
If you would like assistance in reviewing your organization’s policy, please contact HR Partners at 785-233-7860.
Robert A. Shively, CAE, CFRE
Executive Director
Kansas Masonic Foundation
"When I joined the Kansas Masonic Foundation as their Executive Director four years ago I knew that as a small organization I needed professional human resources advice from an outside advisor.
Being an organization of only five staff members, it was impossible to provide the level of ongoing consultation needed internally.
I interviewed a number of agencies and immediately realized when I interviewed HR Partners that the talent and expertise they had on staff would be a perfect team for our organization. I especially appreciated the 'legal' help and advice they could provide as well. I am thoroughly satisfied with our partnership and am confident it will last for many years to come!"