OSHA has two rules it’s hoping to release by the end of the year related to health care settings.
A proposed rule regarding infection diseases is tentatively scheduled for release in November and a workplace violence in health care proposed rule is scheduled for release in December. The dates were published by the DOL on July 5 as spring 2024 regulatory schedule.
The description of the infectious disease rule notes employees in health care and other high-risk environments face long-standing infectious disease hazards.
“OSHA is examining regulatory alternatives for control measures to protect employees from exposure to pathogens that can cause significant infectious disease,” OSHA notes.
In development since 2016, the Prevention of Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance proposed rule comes after the release of a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel report completed in May 2023.