California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board met today to consider a proposed statewide emergency workplace safety regulation addressing COVID-19 (coronavirus). We’re awaiting word on whether the Board approved it. If it’s approved, the Board will submit the proposal to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), which will have ten calendar days to review it. If the OAL then approves the emergency regulation, the OAL will file it with the California Secretary of State, in which case it could take effect immediately and be in effect for 180 days, with possible extensions. Meanwhile, the Board may move forward with regular rulemaking for a permanent rule, with more opportunity for public comment. Information about the proposed rule is posted on the Board’s webpage for emergency rulemaking on COVID-19 prevention. The proposed rule lays out detailed requirements for a written COVID-19 prevention program. It also establishes protocols for responding to a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace and for minimizing the risk of transmission in employer-provided housing and in employer-provided transportation to and from work.
Nov 19, 2020
CALIFORNIA: Safety board is considering COVID-19 standard
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