NAHB Publishes Guidance for Members on OSHA Vaccination and Testing Rule

Disaster Response
Published

NAHB has published a toolkit for the residential construction industry to help covered companies comply with the requirements of a new emergency temporary standard (ETS) from OSHA that mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for workers or weekly testing.

On Nov. 5, 2021, OSHA issued the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in workplaces. It requires all employers with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccinations for their workers or weekly COVID-19 tests to attend work.

Although the ETS is being vigorously challenged in courts all over the United States, its publication in the Federal Register made it effective on Nov. 5. And some of its provisions will be enforceable by OSHA inspectors beginning Dec. 6.

NAHB continues to explore all legal options regarding the ETS. But members should be aware that OSHA inspectors could be looking for violations of the rule beginning in mere weeks. Many workplaces do not routinely see OSHA inspectors. But OSHA inspections on construction sites are quite common.

NAHB's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard Toolkit is organized as a Q&A that addresses the most common questions staff have received from members so far. The most pressing concerns are the provisions that are enforceable beginning Dec. 6, including a requirement that businesses have a written policy in place that details their COVID-19 vaccination and testing plans. Other provisions that go into effect Dec. 6 include:

  • Determining employee vaccination status
  • Providing paid time off for vaccinations and recovery
  • Requiring face coverings for unvaccinated employees
  • Providing information to employees on a company’s policy

The requirement that employers mandate weekly testing for unvaccinated employees goes into effect Jan. 4, 2022.

NAHB has also provided resources about vaccinations, including where to find them in your area.

NAHB will continue to update members on the status of legal challenges to the ETS.

For more information on the ETS and its jobsite requirements, contact Rob Matuga.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Economics

Oct 08, 2025

How Do Median Square-Foot Prices Differ by Region?

Median square-foot prices for new single-family detached homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction data. See how they differ by region.

Member Benefits | Membership

Oct 07, 2025

Tax Incentives That Multiply the Benefits of NAHB's Vehicle Savings Programs

Combining the benefits of Section 179 tax deductions with the discounts offered through the NAHB Member Savings Program can be a game-changer for business owners.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Oct 07, 2025

Minority-Owned Residential Building Firms Continue to Rise

The share of minority-owned new residential builders and remodelers has more than doubled since the Great Recession, with noticeable gains from 2017 to 2022. Nevertheless, when compared to the overall U.S. population, minority-owned firms continue to be underrepresented within both housing sectors.

Economics

Oct 06, 2025

Shorter Apartment Construction Time in 2024

The average time needed to complete construction of a multifamily building after obtaining authorization edged down in 2024, according to the 2024 Survey of Construction (SOC) from the Census Bureau. On average, it took 19.6 months from permit to completion, about 0.3 months shorter than in 2023.

Economics

Oct 03, 2025

Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024

Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.