NV OSHA Updates COVID-19 Guidance

The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NV OSHA) has updated its COVID-19 guidance to reflect that the federal OSHA’s COVID-19 National Emphasis Program is no longer in effect. The National Emphasis Program required NV OSHA to target inspections, outreach and compliance assistance toward “high-hazard industries,” specifically: hospitals, nursing care facilities, and assisted living facilities for the elderly.

While the National Emphasis Program has ended, other federal requirements remain in effect, including the requirements related to voluntary use of respiratory protection and the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for healthcare employers. Information about these requirements is provided in NV OSHA’s updated guidance.

Employers should keep in mind that COVID-19 is a recognized hazard in the workplace. As such, employers will always have a duty to protect their employees from COVID-19 and should continue to identify, analyze and control exposure to this virus in their workplace. Employers should document their COVID-19 prevention plans in their Written Safety Programs, required in Nevada for all businesses with more than 10 employees. (Businesses with 10 or fewer employees are “highly encouraged” to have a written COVID‐19 Prevention Program.)

If you have questions about NV OSHA’s updated guidance or these requirements, please contact a KZA attorney.

KZA Employer Report articles are for general information only; they are not intended and should not be construed to be legal advice. Reading or replying to such articles does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In addition, because the subject matters and applicable laws discussed in Employer Report articles are often in a state of change and not always applicable to every type of business entity or organization, readers should consult with counsel before making decisions based on the same.