OSHA Extends Targeted COVID Inspections (SNF/AL)

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that it will be extending its Revised National Emphasis Program for COVID-19 “until further notice.” The program was set to expire on July 7, 2022. In addition to extending the life of the program, OSHA shared it will also temporarily be increasing its COVID inspection goal from 5% to 10% of overall OSHA inspections while working to develop and finalize a permanent coronavirus healthcare standard. 

The program was implemented by OSHA in March 2021 as a temporary measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The intent is to focus on safety efforts toward industries with a high risk for worker exposure to COVID-19. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF), continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities and home health care services are among the program’s targeted healthcare industries.