Oregon OSHA Proposes Permanent COVID-19 Standard
Seeking to extend protections for workers against the coronavirus disease, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is proposing a permanent rule that largely maintains the risk-reducing measures required by the current temporary emergency rule. It would replace the temporary rule, which expires on May 4.
As with the temporary rule, which took effect Nov. 16, 2020, the proposed permanent rule maintains such requirements as physical distancing; use of face coverings; regular sanitation; employee notification and training; maximization and maintenance of existing ventilation systems; and formal exposure risk assessment and infection control planning.
The proposed permanent rule would allow employers to rely upon the risk assessments, infection control plans and infection control training already completed. However, the permanent rule would strengthen provisions in certain areas, such as:
- Requiring employers to consider alternatives to transporting multiple people in a single vehicle, although such transportation would not be prohibited.
- Slightly modifying the ventilation measures so that employers with more than 10 employees — and that have existing ventilation systems — must certify in writing that they are running their systems in line with current requirements. The proposed rule does not require the purchase or installation of new ventilation systems.
- Requiring employers to provide written notification to employees of their rights to return to work when employees must quarantine.
