Oregon OSHA Moving Closer to Implement Temporary COVID-19 Rule

So far only two states—Virginia and recently Michigan—have implemented emergency COVID-19 regulations for workplaces. KGW8-TV reports Oregon may soon be the third state as its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a fourth draft of its COVID-19 workplace rules.

The draft was released on October 23 and there is a timeline on Oregon OSHA’s temporary COVID-19 rule; it is expected to be passed early in November. Oregon OSHA accepted written comments until October 30. The temporary rule would be in effect for 180 days from the date of adoption. The agency could propose a permanent rule to take its place afterward if there is a likelihood that the hazard will continue, according to Oregon OSHA October newsletter.

The temporary rule would require all workplaces to develop and implement a COVID-19 infection control plan and exposure risk assessment, which must include participation and feedback from employees, within one month of Oregon OSHA’s adoption of the rule. Additionally, workplaces with more than 10 employees must document their plans and assessments in writing. Employers must also provide COVID-19 information and training within six months of the temporary rule’s adoption.

Some workplace requirements of the temporary rule are:

• All employees must maintain a six-foot social distance unless there are certain work activities where this distance is not feasible.
• All employees are required to wear masks. Additionally, masks, face shields, or other personal protective equipment (PPE) should be provided to employees at no cost.
• All public areas, as well as shared equipment and high-touch surfaces, must be cleaned and sanitized every 12 or 24 hours.
• Employees should be provided with hand sanitizers.
• Ventilation should be maximized in the workplace to offer the best air quality to employees.
• Employers must post signage about COVID-19 hazards with messages about social distance, proper way of wearing masks and PPE, hand hygiene, and encouraging sick employees to stay at home.
• Employees must notify employers if they had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within 24 hours of learning of the test result.
• Employers must also provide training on how to reduce COVID-19 in the workplace.

For all the activity-specific requirements and industry guidance Oregon employers should read the temporary rule draft.

Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA Administrator, told KGW8-TV, “We’re actually pretty proud of the balance we were able to strike with our rule. It’s important to protect workers—it’s critical.”