June 15, 2021 | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

June 15, 2021 • Volume 20, Issue 14 • A twice-monthly newsletter with information about workplace safety and health.

OSHA QuickTakes - OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

COVID-19 Workplace Update

OSHA issued an Emergency Temporary Standard to protect healthcare workers, and updated guidance for all industries.

Healthcare workers using personal protective equipment

Advisory Committee Meeting

OSHA will hold a meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health on June 22.

Safety Summit

OSHA will take part in an online safety conference on June 23.

Graphics reading: Safety Pays - Falls Cost - www.osha.gov/stopfalls/ and Slope It. Shore It. Shield It. 800-321-OSHA (6752).

Construction Initiative

OSHA’s Colorado offices will conduct random, weekend safety inspections to improve worker safety.

Safety Settlement

A behavioral healthcare center agreed to revamp its workplace violence prevention program after an OSHA investigation.

Photo of person reading over a document titled Agreement

Inspection Violations

Three contractors face penalties for failing to conduct inspections and identify hazards following a worker fatality.

Grain Handling Violations

A grain facility was cited for workplace safety failures following an engulfment death in a corn silo.

Read about more OSHA enforcement cases.

Partnership - An OSHA Cooperative Program

OSHA Safety Partnership

OSHA is collaborating with Obrascón Huarte Lain North America to promote worker safety and health during a transportation construction project.

Alliances Aim to Improve Worker Safety

Photo of a job made box with a "prohibited" sign over it

Safety Resource

A new bulletin provides instruction on how to safely construct and secure job-made boxes for lifting workers and materials.

Social Media

Follow @OSHA_DOL on Twitter. For more safety and health resources and information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s social media accounts:

COVID-19 Q&A

How can the employer ensure employees comprehend the training elements required by the COVID-19 ETS?

Employers must provide training in a language and at a literacy level the worker understands. If workers speak different languages or are at different literacy levels, the employer must ensure all training materials are presented so that each employee can understand. This may require the creation of various training materials in different languages.

The implementation of training programs, including how training is conducted and by whom, may vary based on the size and type of workplace or business, and employers have some flexibility to adapt training to their specific workplace. Employers can offer training in a variety of formats, including online, virtual, instructor-led, or application-based methods, but employers must ensure that workers get answers to their questions. There are different ways employers can ensure comprehension of the training materials, including a knowledge check (e.g., written or oral assessment) or discussion after the training.