Oregon OSHA has released its “Near Final Draft” of a COVID-19 Temporary Standard. This proposed new regulation sets forth a number of new rules for how an employer must operate in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and respond to any positive cases among its employees. The regulation applies to employers and building operators.
The draft of the regulation can be found here: https://osha.oregon.gov/rules/advisory/infectiousdisease/Documents/Oregon-OSHA-Draft-Temporary-COVID-19-Rule-Sept-25-2020.pdf
Oregon indicates the new regulation will be in effect by November 1, 2020.
The new regulation will require each employer to:
- Prepare a risk assessment consistent with the new regulation in a process that involves employee participation.
- Ensure that face covering requirements are met by employees and customers.
- Appoint a “distancing officer” to ensure the six-foot distancing rule is enforced.
- Conduct specified training and post information in the workplace.
- Clean common areas and equipment as set forth in the new regulation.
- Comply with ventilation requirements.
- Reassign employees to positions that do not involve contact with other employees or the public when a public health agency or medical provider recommends employee quarantine or isolation.
- Advise other employees when an employee tests positive for COVID-19.
- Comply with industry/activity-specific guidance set forth in an appendix to the rule.
Oregon OSHA envisions that a permanent regulation may be promulgated in spring of next year.
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