PARK RIDGE, IL — The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization with 36,000 members worldwide, releases the following statement in response to OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard to better protect America’s healthcare workers from exposure to COVID-19. This statement is attributed to ASSP President Deborah Roy, M.P.H., RN, COHN-S, CSP, CIT, FASSP, FAAOHN:

“ASSP supports efforts by OSHA that aim to safeguard healthcare workers across the country from the airborne spread of the virus. The emergency temporary standard is a necessary action that will help employers across the healthcare sector take vital measures to better protect some of our most vulnerable workers and ultimately save lives. While we are still analyzing the components of the standard, we know there are benefits to having a unified approach with requirements and guidance to lead healthcare facilities in the same direction to achieve safer and healthier work environments. The use of standards is an effective way to implement strong controls that improve occupational safety and health. We are immediately making ASSP members aware of this emergency temporary standard and are working to ensure that its application in healthcare settings is understood.”

About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future
For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Professionals has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of 36,000 professionals covers all industries, developing safety and health management plans that prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.