Cal-OSHA 86’S Facemasks At Work; But Still On ‘Honor System’ As To Who Is Vacc’d Or Not

People fully vaccinated against Covid-19, it’s time to dump the facemasks at work. Cal-OSHA has finally figured out how to line up its regulations with those coming from the California Public Health Department.

Of course, if you are riding a bus, or at an airport or on a commercial flight, you still have to wear a mask. The new rules require employers to verify the vaccination status of workers before allowing them to work mask-less, but employees will be allowed to simply “self-attest” that they are vaccinated, without providing written proof.

Unvaccinated workers must continue to wear face masks in the workplace, unless they are alone in a room or vehicle. The Board on the following new rules, which generally state: Employers may allow vaccinated employees to work without face coverings indoors, but they must document workers’ vaccination status.

That documentation process allows workers to either show written proof of vaccination, such as a CDC vaccine card, or to “self-attest’ that they are vaccinated without providing documentation. Workers can decline to state if they are vaccinated or not.

However, they will be treated as if they are unvaccinated. Unvaccinated workers must wear masks indoors, unless alone in a room or vehicle. Employers must make approved respirators, such as an N95 mask, available for unvaccinated workers if they request them.

No face coverings are required outdoors unless there is an outbreak. — If there is a COVID outbreak, masks will be mandated for all workers indoors, and outdoors if six-foot physical distancing can’t be maintained.

No physical distancing or barriers between workers are required, regardless of employees’ vaccination status, although employers can re-evaluate the need if an outbreak occurs. Distancing and barriers will be mandated if a “major outbreak” of 20 or more cases occurs.

Fully vaccinated workers with no COVID symptoms do not need to be tested or quarantined after they are exposed to the virus. Employees cannot face retaliation for wearing a mask, even if they are not required to do so. Double Face Masks on a counter.

 

Photo from Alpha Media USA Portland OR