LOC News
OSHA Approves Temporary Infectious Disease Rules
After several revisions, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has enacted rules intended to stop the workplace spread of COVID-19. These temporary rules take effect November 16, and will be in place until May 4, 2021. Some requirements, however, will become operable November 23, December 7, December 21 and January 6, 2021 respectively. The rules do contain a feasibility clause that allows employers to demonstrate they are unable to meet the requirements. A complete copy of the rules can be found here, and a timeline for implementation is below. Please note that there are rules for all workplaces, and specialized appendixes for specific employer groups such as law enforcement and emergency first responders:
By November 16, all employers must (the majority of these requirements are also reflected on the Oregon Health Authority guidance and should be in place already):
- Ensure that all employees who are unable to work remotely are stationed at least six feet from each other;
- Ensure that all employees, vendors, visitors and or customers wear a face covering unless they are working in a private office space;
- Provide face coverings, masks, soap, and sanitation equipment for all employees for hand, workstation and high touch surface hygiene;
- Post this poster in English and Spanish in a prominent location;
- Clean and sanitize common areas, high touch surfaces and shared equipment every 24 hours if the workplace is occupied for 12 hours a day, or every 8 hours if occupied more than 12 hours a day.
- Notify employees who have been exposed (defined as being within 6 feet of a COVID-19 infected person for 15 minutes regardless if either party is wearing a mask or face covering) within 24 hours of knowledge and affected employees (defined as employees who work in the same facility or portion of a facility as a COVID-19 positive person) within 24 hours of being aware an exposure.
- Remove employees from the workplace who have been advised to isolate or quarantine by a healthcare professional or public health officials.
By November 23, all building operators must:
- Post signs at entrances requiring mask or face coverings; and
- Sanitize common areas in accordance with above.
By December 7, all employers must:
- Complete an employer risk assessment utilizing this form available here; and
- Complete an infection control plan based on the risk assessment.
By December 21, all employers must:
- Provide employees with COVID-19 training and information in a language that is accessible to them and instructs them on social distancing, sanitation and face covering requirements.
By January 6, all employers must:
- Ensure the maximum amount of external air ventilation possible on from their HVAC systems.
Please continue to monitor the Friday LOC Bulletin for updates and compliance information.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 11/13/20