(CNN) A federal regulatory agency is approaching the deadline to decide whether masks should be required at workplaces in the United States, in response to an executive order by President Biden. That could include masks in workplaces, if necessary, the order said -- and such standards would need to be issued by March 15. Covid-19 requirements from OSHA would be very different than the mask guidance and recommendations from the White House or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Failure by a business to comply with any OSHA requirement can result in fines, jail time and legal liability. There were previous regulations on respiratory protection for workers in hazardous environments or healthcare roles, but not for the majority of the American workforce.

Source: The Nation March 12, 2021 01:05 UTC