Calif. health board to vote on COVID-19 temporary standard

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board will vote Thursday whether to move forward on a proposed COVID-19 temporary workplace safety standard, which outlines mandatory requirements that employers would need to take if passed to protect their workers from coronavirus.

The proposed emergency action would require employers to create a written COVID-19 prevention program, including systems for employees to report symptoms; identification of hazards, including interactions and activities that could pose exposure hazards for workers; a process for investigating positive cases, contract tracing and the requirement that workers who have potentially been exposed be notified within one business day. The temporary standard would also require employers to pay for face coverings and testing for workers potentially exposed to COVID-19 at the workplace, to develop a hazard abatement plan, and to ensure six feet of distance between workers unless the employer can prove that it is not possible, and to train workers about COVID-19, personal protective equipment and hygiene.

If the board adopts the temporary standard, it will be submitted to the administrative law office, which will have 10 days to review and decide whether to implement the proposed emergency regulation. If implemented, the regulation would be effective for 180 days. 

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.