On April 21st, Cal/OSHA approved their third revision to the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The changes outlined in this revision will be in effect from May 6, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Some notable changes to the ETS include:

  • Updates to Isolation and Quarantine requirements, including a helpful, “What Employers need to know” guide
  • Face coverings are mandatory in the ETS when California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires their use.
  • Employers must review CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Masks to learn when face coverings are required.
  • Employers must provide respirators to employees who request them for voluntary use regardless of vaccination status.
  • The ETS no longer includes any cleaning and disinfecting requirements.
  • Employers are now required to make COVID-19 testing available at no cost and during paid time to employees with COVID-19 symptoms regardless of vaccination status and regardless of whether there is a known exposure. COVID-19 testing must also be made available to employees who had a close contact in the workplace, during outbreaks, and during major outbreaks.

Important unchanged requirements in the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards include:

  • Employers must establish, implement, and maintain an effective written COVID-19 Prevention Program (CPP) that includes:
    • Identifying and evaluating employee exposures to COVID-19 health hazards.
    • Implementing effective policies and procedures to correct unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
    • Allowing adequate time for handwashing
  • Employers must provide effective training and instruction to employees on how COVID-19 is spread, infection prevention techniques, and information regarding COVID-19-related benefits that affected employees may be entitled to under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Should you have any questions on how these changes might affect your district, or assistance with implementing your CPP, please reach out to our Member Services Department.

To view the updated ETS FAQ, please click here.

To view the Employers Guide to Isolation and Quarantine, please click here.

To view the full revised ETS, please click here.