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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General (IG) released a report earlier this week which found that OSHA’s enforcement activities did not sufficiently protect workers from COVID-19 health hazards. In particular, the IG report said that OSHA: 1. did not issue citations to enforce the standard for recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses in 15% of sampled fatality inspections; 2. lacks complete information on COVID-19 infection rates at worksites; and 3. closed inspections without ensuring it received and reviewed all items requested from employers to demonstrate alleged COVID-19 health hazards had been mitigated. The report said that these issues occurred because OSHA had not established controls to ensure citations were issued or to document the rationale, does not require employers to report all COVID-19 cases among workers, and does not have a tool to ensure it receives and reviews all requested documentation prior to closing inspections. The IG made five recommendations to OSHA following the report, of which OSHA agreed to three. Click here for more information from our colleagues at the Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance (SWACCA).