OSHA changes course on vaccine recording requirements
In updated guidance , the agency said it does not wish to disincentivize employers ’ vaccination efforts .
By Jenn Goodman
In a 180-degree shift in policy , OSHA said on Friday that employers do not need to record adverse reactions from COVID-19 vaccines on their OSHA 300 logs .
The new guidance is in effect at least until May 2022 and applies regardless of whether an employer requires , recommends or incentivizes employees to get vaccinated . It rescinds previous guidance that said that employers that require their employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment must record any adverse reactions to the vaccine if the reaction is :
■ Work-related ( if getting the vaccine is a condition of employment , then it is workrelated ).
■ A new case .
■ Meets one or more of the general recording criteria specified in 29 CFR 1904.7 .
In its updated guidance , the agency said it is working diligently to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations and “ does not wish to have any appearance of discouraging workers from receiving COVID-19 vaccinations ,” and also does not wish to disincentivize employers ’ vaccination efforts .
16 DITCHMEN • MAY 2021