Tag: Masking

California Removes General Masking Requirements Beginning March 1, 2022, California's general masking requirement for unvaccinated individuals in the workplace has come to an end. Now remaining masking requirements apply only to employers in particular fields such as healthcare, childcare, and schools. In response to the change in state mandates, many local jurisdictions have followed suit and changed their own masking rules to align with these new standards. However, this does not necessarily mean that employers should immediately make changes to their masking requirements in the absence of a government mandate. COVID-19 still poses a threat, and employers still must ensure that workplaces remain safe for their workforce and, as a result, should carefully consider what is appropriate for their own workplaces. Suspension of State Masking Requirements California's Governor Gavin Newsom recently suspended Section 3205(c)(6)(A) of Cal/OSHA's ETS. This section required employers to provide unvaccinated or partially vaccinated employees with face masks to be worn whenever the employee was inside a building or vehicle. Suspension of this requirement was accompanied by an announcement by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) which similarly required masks to be worn by unvaccinated individuals that it had issued new guidance. This guidance incorporated into the ETS now, only strongly recommends unvaccinated people wear masks indoors. Finally, Cal/OSHA's FAQs have been updated to reflect these changes and clarify that employers must permit their employees to wear face coverings despite the lack of a government mandate. What Does This Mean for Employers? Though the general masking requirement is now gone, employers may still need to require masks in certain situations where there is increased risk, such as during outbreaks, when an employee is returning to work after an exposure, when close contact is required, among others. The only requirement that has been suspended is the general one. Employers should also be aware that Cal/OSHA will be analyzing an employer's entire approach for preventing COVID-19 if there is a complaint about their business or if they have an outbreak. Therefore, employers need to consider their total work situation when deciding whether or not to have a masking requirement. This means considering whether or not employees tend to be in close contact, how well the premises are ventilated, if there have been several cases of COVID-19 or an outbreak, along with any other essential factors. According to the ETS, employers must still conduct a generalized workplace risk assessment. A number of counties have changed their guidance for masks to be the same as the state's guidance. However, employers should check the requirements for the city or country they are in to make sure they comply with any stricter requirements that apply in specific situations. This new executive order extends the second CA ETS re-adoption by 21 days. The second CA ETS re-adoption was set to expire on April 14, 2022. However, this extension should remain in effect until May 5, 2022. This could allow the Cal/OSHA Standards Board to delay the publication of the draft text for the third re-adoption. Source Interested in learning more about Pre-employ's background checks? Talk to Sales today.

Tag: Masking

California Removes General Masking Requirements

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