Update:
Cal/OSHA Advisory Meeting Scheduled: The promised Cal/OSHA advisory meeting regarding the recently issued Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) has been scheduled for Dec. 18, 2020, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m PT. Stakeholders can join the meeting via Zoom using the login credentials found here.
Cal/OSHA ETS Modified by Executive Order: In addition, on Dec. 14, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-84-20 to bring the ETS in line with evolving public health guidance. Specifically, the order, in relevant part, suspends the ETS’s workplace exclusion and return-to-work requirements if they exceed the longer of any applicable quarantine or isolation period recommended by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or a local health officer who has jurisdiction over the workplace. The same day, the CDPH updated its quarantine guidance to permit asymptomatic close contacts to discontinue quarantine after 10 days from the date of last exposure. The CDPH guidance also p
12/15/20
Chitra Goel
On the 30th of November, new California OSHA Emergency COVID-19 Regulations were introduced in an effort to control the coronavirus disease outbreak at the workplace. On the 19th of November, 2020, California s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board made a decision after unanimously voting to adopt an Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Rule at the workplace. This action was taken following a contentious public hearing with over 500 participants in attendance. Following that, the Emergency Rule was presented to California s Office of Administrative Law (“OAL”) for further approval, implementation, and publication. The new rule brings with it a combination of unique requirements, making all officially approved provisions effective immediately.
[co-author: Rukayat Salaam]
Nearly all California employers must take steps now to comply with the requirements imposed by the new slate of emergency regulations intended to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in California workplaces. These regulations, adopted by CAL/OSHA on November 30, 2020 are immediately effective. Here is what employers need to know now to protect their businesses and their employees.
Who Must Comply
The new Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) apply to all employers, employees, and places of employment except: (i) workplaces with only one employee who does not have contact with other people; (ii) employees who work from home; and (iii) employees covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases regulation.