On May 7, 2021, the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) proposed to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) changes to the emergency temporary standard (ETS). The ETS went into effect Nov. 30, 2020. The OSHSB will consider the proposed changes on May 20, 2021.
Emergency Temporary Standard
Cal/OSHA adopted the ETS in Nov. 2020. The ETS required employers to develop a written COVID-19 prevention plan and provide information on how they would address a number of COVID-19 requirements (e.g., disinfecting the workplace, training, notification and the handling of cases or outbreaks within the workplace).
Proposed Changes
Cal/OSHA proposed changes of the ETS to address employees returning to work and those who have been fully vaccinated. The proposal includes changes to all sections of the ETS, which include:
Next Steps for Employers
To reflect the changes that are adopted, employers should review the proposed changes to the ETS to determine what they will have to update in their plans. They should also continue to monitor the Cal/OSHA’s website for updates on the proposal adoption.
Source – Zwayve, Inc.