COVID-19 Prevention in California Workplaces

Understanding Cal/OSHA’s COVID Rules

In response to calls from workers and advocates, California adopted emergency rules that led to COVID-19 protections for all workers in our state. The emergency temporary standard (ETS) expired at the end of 2022, and was replaced by a reduced set of protections that will be in place through 2024. Detailed information on the current rules can be found here on Cal/OSHA’s webpage.
Cal/OSHA's COVID rules were first approved in November 2020 after advocates led by Worksafe submitted a petition in May 2020 to the California Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board. A broad and powerful coalition of 45+ occupational health and safety organizations, labor unions, worker centers, community groups, and environmental organizations made this happen – many of their logos are at the bottom of this page.
Plans are underway for a permanent standard beyond COVID, addressing all aerosol transmissible diseases in the workplace. For information on future revisions, contact Worksafe or see information from Cal/OSHA and the Standards Board about pending actions and upcoming hearings.
 
More Information
 
Cal/OSHA is posting its citations related to COVID-19.

 

Also available are Frequently Asked Questions and a one-page fact sheet (also en Espanol) on the regulation, as well as a model COVID-19 Prevention Program. Cal/OSHA Consultation Service hosts training webinars for employers.

 
The latest standard is here, in five parts: The main section on COVID-19 Prevention. Two short sections related to action in the case of outbreaks. One section on COVID-19 Prevention in Employer-Provided Housing and another on Employer-Provided Transportation to and from Work.
 
Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services at 800-963-9424. 
 
Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
 
Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

 

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