Perspectives of region II OSHA authorized safety and health trainers about initial COVID-19 response programs
Koshy, Koshy ; Shendell, Derek, G. ; Presutti, Michael J.
2021
138
June
1-8
epidemic disease ; functional respiratory disorders ; risk assessment ; safety training ; health and safety programme
Occupational safety and health
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105193
English
Bibliogr.;Ill.
"In this cross-sectional survey-based study conducted in early fall 2020, we attempted to measure and ascertain the extent of whether employers in New York and New Jersey were prepared to manage and follow occupational safety and health (S&H) regulations and industry risk processes in developing an exposure control response program to COVID-19, the disease caused by exposure to the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. We focused on Region II of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)-Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In addition, we examined possible explanations for lack of compliance and uniformity across the region in various USDOL-OSHA regulatory aspects like training, respiratory protection program administration and proper task-specific application of occupational S&H hazard controls through risk management systems. We suggest opportunities for employer and governmental interventions to reduce potential worker exposures and better control future worksite biological hazards and infectious disease transmission. Overall, data suggested prevalent inconsistencies, noncompliance and a less than uniform approach to implementing COVID-19 response programs."
Digital
The ETUI is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ETUI.