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

Remodeling | Publications

Jun 19, 2025

Award-Winning Advice: Surround Yourself With Good People

In the latest edition of Pro Remodeler, 2024 Remodeler of the Year Mike Pressgrove shares advice from his career.

Advocacy | Economics

Jun 18, 2025

Podcast: Mid-Year Update on Economic Indicators and Advocacy Priorities

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, COO Paul Lopez welcomes NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz and Chief Advocacy Officer Ken Wingert for a mid-year check in on key economic indicators and NAHB policy priorities driving home building for the rest of 2025.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Jun 20, 2025

Single-family Construction Loan Volume Grows

Credit conditions for builders and developers eased in the first quarter of 2025 as the level of outstanding 1-4 family residential construction loans rose for the first time in two years, according to data released by FDIC.

Economics

Jun 18, 2025

The Fed Pause Continues

Reflecting most forecasters’ expectations for the June FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve continued its post-2024 pause for federal funds rate cuts, retaining a target rate of 4.5% to 4.25%.

Economics

Jun 18, 2025

Sharp Drop in Multifamily Production Brings Overall Housing Starts Down

A sharp decline in multifamily production pushed overall housing starts down in May, while single-family output was essentially flat due to economic and tariff uncertainty along with elevated interest rates.