OSHA May NOT Issue a Rule on COVID-19 Healthcare Construction

The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health recommended a separate rule on construction in hospitals from COVID-19 infections is not necessary, but should be included in the proposed permanent healthcare standard. The committee’s decision makes it unlikely OSHA will pursue a separate rule focused on the construction industry.  The approved healthcare proposal would require employers in that industry to ensure that construction workers are informed of the location of COVID-19 patients. OSHA had asked the committee to approve either including construction workers in the proposed healthcare rule, or that the agency draft a separate rule to address COVID-19 at healthcare building projects.