On December 21, 2021, Oregon OSHA adopted minor changes to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) rules for all indoor workplaces as well as for employer-provided labor housing. They took effect immediately. Changes to the rules for all Oregon workplaces include the following:
- Physical distancing requirements have been eliminated, except in health care and transit settings.
- Employers are no longer required to clean or sanitize common areas and other high-touch surfaces, except in healthcare settings.
- Industry-specific requirements have been removed for restaurants, bars, retail, and construction sectors. Requirements for educational institutions have been updated.
The text of the changes for all Oregon workplaces can be found here.
Changes to the rules for employers who provide labor housing for workers include the following:
- There is no longer a requirement to wear a face mask while in the labor housing environment.
- An employee must be allowed to wear a face covering, even when not required to wear one.
- There is no longer a requirement to designate people to serve as physical distancing monitors in dining areas and at mealtimes.
The text of the changes for employer-provided labor housing can be found here.
Tips: The general requirements for workers to wear masks in indoor workplaces remains. For questions about current COVID-19 rules, including any industry-specific requirements, please contact your Vigilant Law Group employment attorney.
