The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Saturday that it will begin enforcement of the federal vaccine mandate for businesses with more than 100 employees, and could start issuing fines as early as January 10.
OSHA will not issue citations for noncompliance with any requirements of the ETS before January 10 and will not issue citations for noncompliance with the standard's testing requirements before February 9 if an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance. The agency said in a statement that it will work with the regulated community to provide compliance assistance.
The decision came just one day after the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati said the mandate could move forward as scheduled after previous courts halted it.
OSHA is expected to enforce the rule.
It is difficult to imagine what more OSHA could do or rely on to justify its finding that workers face a grave danger in the workplace, according to the opinion. It is not appropriate to second-guess the agency determination considering the substantial evidence, including many peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Businesses with 100 or more employees are required to have their employees be vaccinations against COVID-19 or weekly testing. It would affect about 80 million Americans and will take effect on January 4, according to Insider's Kelsey Vlamis.
According to the previous Insider report, the mandate has faced more than two dozen court challenges. Critics argue that OSHA doesn't have the authority to enforce it.
