Emily Clarke

Everything to Know About OSHA’s Federal Vaccine Mandate

In an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, OSHA has mandated a new federal rule that requires companies of 100 or more employees to ensure all their employees are fully vaccinated or comply with mandatory mask requirements and weekly COVID testing. There is no specific requirement for how organizations are to track employee vaccine status, only that they do it. Affected companies have until January 4, 2022 to comply.

If you have questions about this new mandate, you're not alone! Here is a brief guide on everything you need to know about OSHA's federal vaccine mandate.

Who is affected by the mandate

All U.S. companies that employ 100 or more workers must comply with OSHA's vaccine mandate. While all part-time and remote employees must also comply with the mandate, independent contractors do not have to. As of now, OSHA has not expanded the rule to include smaller employers with fewer than 100 employees. However, that may change in the near future.

Health care providers are covered by a different OSHA rule. Government contractors and Medicare and Medicaid providers have different mandates they have to comply with.

Requirements and exemptions

Any vaccine that the World Health Organization lists for emergency use is an acceptable option for employees. There are two exemptions that employers are required to honor:

• Medical conditions: This exemption applies to people with certain medical conditions that are protected under the Americans with disabilities act. Many employers also require a doctor's note.
• Religious beliefs: People with sincerely held religious beliefs that may prevent them from getting the vaccine may be exempt from the mandate.

People with these exemptions must still adhere to mask-wearing requirements and weekly testing.

Opting out with testing

Employers have the right to require employees to get the vaccination, without offering the option for weekly testing instead (with the exception of workers with one of the exemptions listed above). As such, it's up to employers to decide whether they will offer employees the option to not get vaccinated and comply with weekly COVID testing instead.

How to track employee vaccine status

OSHA expects employers to comply with this new rule and any complaints will be investigated. As a part of enforcement, employers are required to track employee vaccine status. Companies may do so by keeping copies of employee vaccination cards or documentation that is signed and dated by employees.

Author Resource:-

Emily Clarke writes about employee management, benefits and payroll service. You can find her thoughts at employer organizer blog.