Worker Health and Safety (E.O. 13999)

Summary

Makes protecting workers from getting sick with COVID-19 at their jobs a top goal for the government by creating and enforcing new safety rules.

What problem does this solve?

Many essential workers, especially people of color and immigrants, were getting sick from COVID-19 at their jobs without enough protection. This order tells government agencies to quickly create and enforce new safety rules, like for masks, to keep workers safe.

What does this order do?

Issues new guidance for employers

Requires the Secretary of Labor to issue revised guidance for employers on workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic within two weeks.

Considers emergency safety standards

Directs the Secretary of Labor to consider if emergency temporary standards for COVID-19, including for masks, are needed and to issue them by March 15, 2021, if they are.

Launches a national enforcement program

Starts a national program to focus OSHA's enforcement efforts on violations that put the largest number of workers at serious risk from COVID-19.

Creates a multilingual outreach campaign

Directs OSHA to start a multilingual outreach campaign to inform workers of their rights, with a special focus on communities hit hardest by the pandemic.

Protects workers in states with their own safety plans

Coordinates with states that have their own occupational safety plans to make sure their workers are also protected from COVID-19.

Explores protections for other workers

Requires multiple federal agencies to find ways to protect workers not covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, such as those in agriculture and transportation.

Considers new safety rules for miners

Requires the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health to consider if emergency temporary standards are needed for coal and metal or non-metal mines.

Who does this affect?

Essential workers
Healthcare workers
Employers

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens federal response to workplace safety

Directs federal agencies to take swift, science-based action to reduce the risk of workers contracting COVID-19, signaling a more active federal role in protecting employees during the pandemic.

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Increases enforcement of safety rules

Launches a national program to focus OSHA enforcement on violations that put the most workers at risk, suggesting that previous enforcement efforts were considered insufficient.

When does this start?

This order is effective immediately and sets several deadlines for government agencies to act.

Deadline for new employer guidance

By February 4, 2021, the Secretary of Labor must issue revised guidance to employers on workplace safety.

Deadline for emergency standards

By March 15, 2021, the Secretary of Labor must issue any necessary emergency temporary standards on COVID-19, including for masks.