The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued guidance on how to implement the federal contractor safety protocol contained in the Executive Order No. 14042 which mandates vaccinations for federal contractors as part of the administration’s plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 and its new emerging and more contagious cousins.
As a result, federal contractors are now responsible for ensuring that covered contractor employees conform to the following safety protocols:
Fully vaccinated by Jan. 18, 2022 (see time chart below), except in limited circumstances[2] where an employee is legally entitled to an accommodation;
Comply with the Guidance related to masking and physical distancing while working in covered contractor workplaces; and,
Designation of a Safety Officer by covered federal contractors of a person or persons to coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces.
In order for federal contractors to be "fully vaccinated" by Jan. 18, 2022, individuals must receive the last dose of their primary vaccine by Jan. 4, 2022. Because the timing of vaccine administration depends on the manufacturer of the vaccine received, employees must ensure they begin the vaccination process in time to meet the Jan. 4, 2022 deadline. The following chart includes the latest possible vaccination dates necessary to comply with this policy: Moderna 1st dose no later than Dec. 7, 2021 2nd dose no later than Jan. 4, 2022 Pfizer 1st dose no later than Dec. 14, 2021 2nd dose no later than Jan. 4, 2022 Johnson & Johnson 1st dose no later than Jan. 4, 2022 2nd dose – not applicable
NOTE - Several states are currently challenging this Executive Order No. 14042, so it will be important for employers to keep track of updates as direction and protocols can change at any time.
Resources: SHRM.org / Best Best & Krieger Attorneys At Law
For questions, contact Thrive PEO - Oklahoma's best Professional Employer Organization at: thrive@thrivepeo.com or (918) 794-2200.