1.7.22 COVID Bulletin: The Latest on Vax Mandates – OSHA Rule to be Enforced Monday
Blog Categories
Josh Veronica
January 7, 2022
OSHA Rule to be Enforced Monday
OSHA is set to begin enforcement of its Vax-or-Test Mandate for organizations with 100+ employees on Monday. After months of litigation, the latest U.S. Circuit Court decision upheld the mandate.
However, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to look into the issue, and heard oral arguments today for a key case challenging the mandate. A Supreme Court decision impacting the mandate could come any day, and the BNP will keep you informed of any relevant changes. However, at this point, OSHA plans to begin enforcing the mandate Monday.
To help you prepare for the mandate, the BNP hosted a seminar with a human resources expert. The presentation, available here, will address frequently asked questions.
Concern has been raised about the current lack of available tests, which may impede employees’ ability to get tested in a timely fashion. On this issue, OSHA stated: “in the event that an individual employer is unable to comply with [the rule] due to inadequate test supply or laboratory capacity, OSHA will look at efforts made by the employer to comply, as well as the pattern and practice of the employer’s testing program, and consider refraining from enforcement where the facts show good faith in attempting to comply with the standard” (see question 6.L here).
Hochul Mandates Booster for Healthcare Workers
Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that she will require all healthcare workers to get COVID-19 vaccine boosters when available. Hochul said that only medical exemptions will be accepted, and there is no test-out option.
The state’s Public Health and Health Planning Council meets Tuesday and is expected to formally adopt the rule. The BNP will circulate details once the rule is adopted and published.
Related Posts
12.17.21 Advocacy Alert: Canada to Again Require Testing for Entry
Today, Canadian officials announced they would be reinstating a requirement that all entrants present proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
The requirement will take effect Tuesday, according to the Buffalo News.
NY’s Tax Climate Again Ranks at National Bottom
Today, the Tax Foundation (an independent tax policy think tank) released its 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index. The report compares all fifty states on various tax policies, then ranks their overall business tax climate. New York ranked below every state except New Jersey.
NY’s rank in the State Business Tax Climate Index
The poor ranking comes as no surprise. New York has oscillated between 48-50 for over ten years. After enacting new tax increases this year, New York dropped from 48th to 49th.
12.13.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Statewide Mask Mandate Now in Effect
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would repeal the state’s mask mandate, effective today. However, her announcement did not proactively address how the repeal coincided with the NY HERO Act, which would have required employees in most workplaces to continue masking.
12.2.21 Advocacy Alert: BNP Urges Hochul to Maximize Infrastructure Investment
The BNP recently wrote to Governor Kathy Hochul suggesting steps she can take to maximize the incoming infrastructure investment from Washington.
President Biden recently signed into law the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The BNP advocated for this bill, which has the potential for transformative change in Buffalo Niagara. However, in our current landscape, this historic investment may not go as far in New York as it will in other states.