Historically, California has experienced the most destructive wildfires in the months of September and October. As we head into those months, employers should make sure they are familiar with California’s wildfire smoke standard. Harmful air quality from wildfire smoke can occur anywhere in the state on short notice, so it is vital that employers
workplace safety
Cal/OSHA Amends COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards, Again.
By Sean Paisan & Cressinda D. Schlag on
Posted in CalOSHA
The last few weeks have been quite tense for California employers as they watched the drama unfold with the state’s Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (“Cal/OSHA”) over amendments to the standing COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (“ETS”)
In case you missed it: a few weeks ago, Cal/OSHA delayed a vote on…
Cal/OSHA Standards Board Reverses Course on ETS Amendment
By Sean Paisan on
Posted in CalOSHA
In an emergency meeting on June 9th, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board reversed itself and voted to withdraw the amended COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) it had just approved on June 3rd. As such, employers will remain governed by the ETS that was passed in November 2020.
The emergency meeting was held so…
California Employers Contend with Mixed Signals as the State Prepares to Reopen
By Cressinda D. Schlag on
Posted in CalOSHA
Since California announced plans for “preparing to get back to normal,” many California employers have eyed California’s reopening date of June 15th as the date they can return to the office or resume normal operations. But even though it is clear California wants to reopen the economy, California employers that are preparing their return…
Cal/OSHA Standards Board Delays Vote on Revised COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards
By Sean Paisan & Cressinda D. Schlag on
Posted in CalOSHA
On May 20th, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board was set to vote on revisions to COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (“ETS”).
The evening before the vote the Deputy Chief for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (“Division”) submitted a request that the Standards Board not to vote on proposed revisions and instead allow the…
Without Much Ado, Cal OSHA Updates Guidance Regarding Vaccinated Individuals
By Cressinda D. Schlag & Sierra Vierra on
Posted in CalOSHA
As the federal government and state of California adjusted their COVID-19 guidance for vaccinated individuals, Cal OSHA remained silent on how vaccination affected the requirements under its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). While there had been discussions of revisions to the ETS, it was unclear if Cal OSHA would be able to release such…
Cal OSHA issues Updated Infection Prevention Guidance for Agricultural Employers
By Cressinda D. Schlag & Kymiya St. Pierre on
Posted in CalOSHA
To assist with protecting the essential workers who work in the agricultural industry, California’s Department Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (“Cal OSHA”) issued updated guidance on coronavirus (“COVID-19”) infection prevention procedures for employers in the agricultural industry.
While the guidance does not impose new legal obligations on employers, the guidance is meant…
California Releases A New Safety Handbook for Employers
Posted in California
On July 24, 2020, the State of California released a “COVID-19 Employer Playbook” to guide employers in planning and preparing for the safe reopening of their businesses. It combines guidance from various California agencies to ensure that employers have the tools they need to plan for a safe and clean workplace. Notably, the…
Operating Your Business in San Francisco During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Posted in Workplace Safety
While many counties around California moved into accelerated reopening, San Francisco County set its own pace. Though San Francisco has paused some reopening for now, as COVID-19 infection rates change, additional businesses will eventually be permitted to reopen.
San Francisco created detailed requirements for businesses, whether essential or otherwise, to follow during the…
New California Workplace Safety Standards for Nighttime Agricultural Workers
By Cressinda D. Schlag on
Posted in CalOSHA
California has adopted the first nighttime work safety standards in the nation which apply to agricultural workers who harvest, operate vehicles, and other tasks between sunset and sunrise.
The new safety standards are being implemented to address potential workplace hazards caused by poor visibility and require employers to, at a minimum, evaluate each outdoor worksite…