Search

In Effect Now: New Cal/OSHA Emergency COVID-19 Standards 

Posted on 12/2/2020 by Roger Marks

12/9/2020 UPDATE: Cal/OSHA added a new coronavirus FAQ to help California employers maintain compliance with the State's COVID-19 emergency safety standards and help keep employees safe. The 31 frequently asked questions cover fundamental aspects of the emergency standard, such as employee testing, working from home, and when can employees return to work after coronavirus exposure.





New emergency COVID-19 health and safety requirements for California employers are in effect as of November 30, 2020.

To protect workers from the novel coronavirus, California’s Occupational Safety and Health Board added new requirements for employers to its General Industry Safety Orders found in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (8 CCR), subchapter 7.

Among other requirements, the rule lays out detailed standards for:
  • Identification and evaluation of COVID-19 hazards in the workplace;
  • Development and implementation of a written COVID-19 prevention program; 
  • Physical distancing at work;
  • Providing face coverings for employees;
  • Engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE;
  • Reporting and recordkeeping for COVID-19 cases;
  • COVID-19 screening and testing for employees; and
  • Employee training and information. 
The rule also adds sections to 8 CCR to address COVID-19 prevention in employer-provided housing and employer-provided transportation.

Approved COVID-19 Rule Text

The rule will remain in place for at least 180 days. Cal/OSH may extend the date beyond that, pursuant to two recent Executive Orders from the state's governor. The rule expires on October 1, 2021.  

COVID-19 Prevention Program

The rule requires employers to establish, implement, and maintain an “effective, written COVID-19 Prevention Program.” This written program can be added to the employer’s existing Injury and Illness Program or be maintained separately.

The written COVID-19 Prevention Program must cover specific elements outlined in the rule text.

Cal/OSH COVID-19 Employee Training Requirements

The rule, in effect now, includes employee training and information requirements. Employers must provide training to employees that covers:
  • How to recognize signs and symptoms of COVID-19
  • How COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person
  • Proper use of face coverings (and the fact that face coverings are not PPE)
  • Importance of physical distancing, face coverings, and hand washing
  • Why combining physical distance with other controls is crucial
  • The employer’s COVID-19 policies and procedures to protect employees
  • Information about COVID-19 related benefits to which employees may be entitled
See pages 6 and 7 of the Rule text for the full list of topics that employee COVID-19 training must cover.

Key Terms Defined

The rule provides definitions for key terms like “COVID-19 exposure,” “COVID-19 case,” “COVID-19 hazard,” and “COVID-19 symptoms.”

COVID-19 Safety Awareness Online Training

covid-19 training for employeesLion just launched the COVID-19 Employee Safety Awareness Online Course to help US workplaces re-open safely. As facilities nationwide begin to re-open, it is crucial that employees know how to protect themselves and their co-workers from exposure to COVID-19.

The course prepares employees to:
  • Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors for COVID-19.
  • Describe how the COVID-19 disease is transmitted.
  • Follow recommended hygiene and work protocols to prevent exposure.
  •  Properly use and care for PPE and face coverings, when required. 
Find more resources to help your facility protect employees from COVID-19 at Lion.com/COVID19

Tags: California, COVID-19, COVID-19 training

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.