On January 21, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue revised guidance to employers on workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OSHA was also directed to consider whether any emergency temporary standards on COVID-19 (including mandatory masks in the workplace) are necessary and to issue them by March 15, 2021. The Secretary of Labor, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for MSHA, was also directed to consider whether any emergency temporary standards on COVID-19 applicable to mines are determined to be necessary.

The order also requires a review of OSHA’s enforcement efforts related to COVID-19 and identify any changes that could be made to better protect workers. 

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