In November 2020, Cal OSHA passed the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). Currently, the Standards are set to expire on October 2, 2021.

As outlined in prior articles, the ETS require that employers:

  • Establish, implement, and maintain an effective written COVID-19 Prevention Program.
  • Implement COVID-19 preventative measures.
  • Report information to their local health department.
  • Retain records related to COVID-19 cases in the workplace in a confidential manner.
  • Exclude workers known to have COVID-19 or who have had exposure.
  • Identify and manage COVID-19 infections and outbreaks in the workplace.

Unfortunately, the ETS are already lagging behind federal and state guidance pertaining to COVID-19. In particular, the ETS do not take into consideration guidance from the CDC regarding fully vaccinated individuals.

At the Cal OSHA Standard Board meeting on April 15th, several public commenters admonished the Standard Board about the lack of guidance from Cal OSHA or in the ETS regarding vaccinated individuals. The Standard Board disclosed that revisions to the ETS, including revisions about vaccinated individuals are in progress. Though it would be difficult due to tight timelines, the Standard Board hoped to have revisions passed by June, when California is tentatively set to fully reopen.

Jackson Lewis will continue to track developments pertaining to Cal OSHA regulations and requirements. If you have questions about the ETS or related compliance issues contact a Jackson Lewis attorney to discuss.

Tags: COVID-19, ETS, vaccine
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Photo of Sierra Vierra Sierra Vierra

Sierra Vierra is an associate in the Sacramento, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She represents management in civil litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment law matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, benefits, and a wide range of wage and hour issues.

Sierra Vierra is an associate in the Sacramento, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She represents management in civil litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment law matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, benefits, and a wide range of wage and hour issues. She litigates in federal and state courts, including class and representative actions, and represents employers in administrative proceedings. She also provides preventive advice and counsel on best practices.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Sierra clerked for the Honorable Joe B. Brown and the Honorable John S. Bryant, United States Magistrate Judges for the Middle District of Tennessee.

While in law school, Sierra received the highest grade in 12 courses. Sierra also served as an associate editor of the University of Illinois Law Review and as the editor-in-chief and administrative law columnist for the Illinois Law Update section of the Illinois Bar Journal. She also worked as a research assistant and teaching assistant and represented clients in connection with the University of Illinois Civil Litigation Clinic.

Before entering law school, Sierra worked as a paralegal at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Office of General Counsel, where she supported civilian personnel litigation, government procurement, environmental compliance, intellectual property, Freedom of Information Act compliance, and government ethics teams.

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