Seyfarth Synopsis: On Thursday, December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (“OSHSB”) approved the long-proposed 2-year “permanent” COVID-19 standard. The new standard took effect on February 3, 2023, after final approval from the Office of Administrative Law, and replaced the current Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”).

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Among other

Continue Reading Cal/OSHA Approves Non-Emergency COVID-19 Standard In Time for the Holidays

Seyfarth Synopsis: Two big changes are on the horizon for California employers:
(1) changes to the COVID-19 general exposure notification requirements and (2) a proposed “permanent” Cal/OSHA COVID-19 standard to take effect January 1, 2023-2025.

The fall season signals change between the warmth and sun of summer and the cold and wet of winter. This year, fall also includes

Continue Reading Changes Coming to CA COVID-19 Requirements

Seyfarth Synopsis: On April 21, 2022, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board (“Board”) voted 6-1 to approve a third adoption of the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (“ETS”). The revised ETS will likely go into effect the first week of May and will expire on December 31, 2022.

Background

As we previously blogged, the first iteration of the Cal/OSHA ETS
Continue Reading Third Iteration of the Cal/OSHA ETS Approved

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Cal/OSHA Standards Board (“Board”) has published proposed language for the third adoption of the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (“ETS”), which will be voted on during the upcoming April 21, 2022 Board meeting. The ETS, assuming it is readopted, will expire on December 31, 2022.

Background

The first iteration of the Cal/OSHA ETS took effect on
Continue Reading Third Iteration of the Cal/OSHA ETS is Around the Corner

Seyfarth Synopsis: As of January 14, 2022, California employers must ensure that their COVID-19 health and safety protocols are compliant with Cal/OSHA’s Latest COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the nationwide Federal OSHA ETS vaccine mandate does not impact these separate California-specific requirements, which employers must still comply with here.

Once The Rage,
Continue Reading Beat Goes On In California Though Federal ETS On Mute

Seyfarth Synopsis: On December 16, 2021, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board voted to readopt the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) with changes that will take effect January 14, 2022. This readoption includes many changes to the current ETS, including an elimination of many of the current distinctions between vaccinated and unvaccinated workers.

Background

The first iteration of the Cal/OSHA
Continue Reading Cal/OSHA Adopts Revised and Restrictive COVID-19 ETS

Seyfarth Synopsis: Starting today, December 15, 2021, Californians must again mask up in public indoor spaces, regardless of their vaccination status. California’s Department of Public Health imposed this state-wide four-week mandate to curb the spread of COVID-19 over the holidays.

In the face of the Omicron variant, California announced that it is again imposing a statewide requirement for everyone,
Continue Reading Masking Up for the Holidays

Seyfarth Synopsis: With the latest coronavirus variant, Omicron, detected and increasing in California, many companies may be questioning their plans to host office holiday parties. But no need to call in the Grinch just yet! We have some tips to comply with current COVID-19 guidelines, and to avoid employer liability to keep this holiday season merry and bright.

It is
Continue Reading Omicron Is Coming to Town: Protecting Employers From Fa-La-La-Liability

Seyfarth Synopsis: On October 13, 2021, the San Francisco Department of Public Health issued a revised COVID-19 public health order. Of interest to many employers, the City outlined when certain businesses—such as office workspaces—may allow fully vaccinated individuals to stop wearing face covering indoors. It also outlined the vaccination benchmarks by which the City will lift the indoor universal
Continue Reading I Left My Mask In San Francisco—For Fully Vaccinated Workplaces

Seyfarth Synopsis: Several California counties currently have mask “recommendations” that are stricter than the state’s guidance, recommending all people wear masks in indoor settings. As of 11:59 p.m. on July 17, 2021, Los Angeles will go a step further, implementing a revised Public Health Order with a new mask mandate requiring people—regardless of vaccination status—to wear masks in
Continue Reading Mask Mandates and Recommendations Return