Johnson College offering free OSHA training at its Scranton campus

Johnson College is now a Host Training Organization with the Mid-Atlantic OSHA Training Institute Education Center (MAOTIEC). This new partnership will allow Johnson College and the Education Center to work together to provide certified OSHA training to employers and employees throughout the region.

To celebrate this new partnership, Johnson College is offering the OSHA 7515 – Job Hazard Analysis course free of charge on Saturday, October 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Scranton campus.

The course covers OSHA guidelines for developing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Topics include the purpose and requirements of a JHA, the relationship between worker tasks and tools in the work environment, identifying job hazards before they occur and techniques for completing a Job Hazard Analysis. Students will also participate in activities focused on using a Job Hazard Analysis.

No prerequisites are required for the course. Student materials, lunch and refreshments are included for in-person classes.

Space is limited for this course, and those interested in it can click here to register.

OSHA’S Vaccine and Testing Standards for Employers

Businesses with 100 employees or more must comply with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). To meet the requirements of the ETS, employers must either:

  1. Establish a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, OR
  2. Adopt a policy requiring employees to get vaccinated or have them get regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work instead of getting vaccinated.

As a trusted voice in the business community, please share this information with as many employers as possible to help them understand and meet this federal requirement.

Federal Guidance

On Dec. 18, 2021, OSHA released new guidance for the ETS after the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the stay on the standard.

OSHA will not enforce any requirements under the ETS until Jan. 10, 2022. Additionally, the agency will not issue citations for noncompliance with the standard’s testing requirements before Feb. 9, 2022, so long as an employer is exercising responsible, good faith efforts to meet the standard. Federal guidance states that employers can mandate vaccinations for staff. To support vaccinations, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) will continue to oversee a Commonwealth-wide vaccination program, and employers are invited to refer any staff seeking vaccination to one of the hundreds of Pennsylvania clinics providing vaccines.

Readiness Guide for Pennsylvania Employers

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has prepared a Readiness Guide for Pennsylvania Employers about the OSHA ETS. In the guide you will find detailed information about:

  • Vaccinating employees
  • Testing employees
  • Support from the PA Department of Health
  • List of U.S. employers with vaccine mandates
  • Information on differences in NAAT and Antigen Tests

Questions?

If you have questions related to the OSHA ETS on COVID-19 vaccination and testing, visit the OSHA website or reference the Frequently Asked Questions.