California adopts COVID-19 prevention regulations

California regulators on Thursday adopted non-emergency regulations designed to stem the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the workplace.

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board passed the COVID-19 prevention non-emergency regulations, which, if approved by the Office of Administrative Law, would remain in effect for the next two years.

The regulations mandate that employers provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace for employees by taking active steps to mitigate COVID-19 exposure.

Among the updated regulations are mandates for companies to make COVID-19 testing available at no cost and during paid time to employees who experience close contact with someone who has the virus; review health department guidance to ensure proper ventilation for all indoor workspaces regardless of the size of the company; and maintain a written injury and illness prevention program that addresses COVID-19 as a workplace hazard.

The Office of Administrative Law has 30 days to review the proposed regulations before they become implemented.

The current COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards in California will remain in effect while the new proposed regulations are reviewed.