Guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for how to protect workers during the pandemic were updated June 10th.
Changes to the new guidelines include a focus on unvaccinated workers.
According to OSHA, employers no longer need to take steps to protect fully vaccinated workers, but a list of suggestions for unvaccinated and other at-risk workers is given.
The guidelines suggest employers should encourage vaccination and give paid time off for unvaccinated workers to get the vaccine. Small employers who do give time off may be eligible for American Rescue Plan tax credits.
OSHA gives additional suggestions for unvaccinated workers in particular fields.
For the protection of retail workers, the continued use of masks by unvaccinated customers is suggested.
Food processing or assembly line workers who usually must stand close together are suggested to distance. “Proper spacing of unvaccinated or otherwise at-risk workers (or if not possible, appropriate use of barriers) can help reduce the risks for such workers,” read the guidelines.
As of June 14th, 43.6% of Oklahomans aged 12 and up have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.