As some of you may know, the California Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board (“the Board”) was scheduled to vote on proposed revisions to the Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards (ETS) for COVID-19 yesterday, May 20, 2021. However, due to the recent changes in CDC guidelines and Governor Newsom’s goal of re-opening California by June 15, 2021, the Board voted to table considering those revisions. A new proposal will be submitted by May 28, 2021, and that proposal will be considered at a hearing on June 3, 2021, with a five-day public comment window preceding the vote.
We want to remind employers that, as of today, May 21, 2021, Cal/OSHA’s standards have not changed; face coverings are still required in common or public spaces and outdoors when distancing is not possible, amongst other requirements. To see the California Department of Industrial Relations FAQs regarding the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards, click this link: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/COVID19FAQs.html.
If you have any questions about maintaining compliance with Cal/OSHA standards, please reach out to the experts at Young, Cohen & Durrett, LLP at (916) 569-1700.