U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced legislation designed to protect first responders and frontline workers in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID–19 Workers First Protection Act (S. 3584) directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to issue an emergency temporary standard (ETS) that requires certain employers to develop an infectious disease exposure control plan. This would help protect health care workers, first responders, and other employees at elevated risk from exposure to COVID-19.
“Wisconsin health care workers and first responders are on the frontlines of this pandemic and we need to protect them from exposure to coronavirus,” Baldwin, ranking member of the Senate Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee, said. “While folks are working to support our communities during this public health emergency, we must do everything we can to protect these brave men and women while they’re doing their essential jobs. My legislation will direct the Secretary of Labor to take action and protect our workers now. We’re all in this together, so we need to protect one another as we work to get through this public health crisis and save lives.”
The DOL, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has the authority to issue an ETS to protect workers who are potentially exposed to dangerous hazards. The bill also requires these employers to put in place a permanent infectious disease standard within 24 months. However, the ETS would remain in effect until that permanent standard is ready.
This ETS, or a permanent infectious disease enforceable standard, could have prevented the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) if it was in effect for this pandemic, Baldwin said.