California OSHA Reverses Maskless Rule for Workers

Earlier this month, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CAL-OSHA) voted to allow fully vaccinated workers to go maskless in the workplace if all others in the facility are also vaccinated. The rule was to go into effect on June 15, the same day the state will loosen rules on masking and other COVID-19 precautions.

However, CAL-OSHA’s decision faced backlash from state health officials, promoting one of them to write a letter to the board and leading to the scheduling of a special meeting last week. The board then voted to rescind the maskless rule, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

The special meeting was called on Wednesday after Dr. Tomás Aragón, state public health officer and director, sent a letter to the board reiterating the state’s plan to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated masking guidelines. Aragón said that there are certain settings where masks should still be required including health care facilities, public transit, schools, state and local correctional facilities, and emergency shelters. Additionally, businesses and venue operators should choose to determine whether they will require masks, Aragón said.

After hearing public comment, the board unanimously voted to withdraw the worksite rule before it goes into effect and consider changes at its June 17 meeting.

David Thomas, board chairman, said the vote will ensure that the workplace regulation “matches up with the CDC and the California Department of Public Health, so that we’re all on the same page. That’s what this is about, so we’re not out of step with everybody else.”

Erika Monterroza, board spokesperson, told KESQ-TV, that the board will consider Aragón’s letter.

Cal/OSHA’s regulations apply to almost every workplace in the state.