OSHA Worker Safety Rule Changes Could Lift Mask Requirements for Vaccinated Workers

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California’s OSHA department is introducing changes to recommended Covid-19 worker safety rule changes that could lift mask requirements for a large portion of vaccinated California workers.

Mid-June Meeting Will See Further Discussion of Mask Requirements:

Eric Berg, California OSHA Deputy Chief of Research and Standards, stated that he would present suggested revisions to rules at the next meeting on June 17th, 2021. Suggestions would align with Department of Public Health guidance. If changes are approved, mask requirements could be lifted for the majority of vaccinated California workers by the end of the month.

OSHA Withdraws Recommendations for Changes After CDPH Announcement:

After the California Department of Public Health guidance was released recommending a reduction in masking requirements throughout California, the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration voted to withdraw their previously released recommendation for changes to pandemic-related worker rules (announced on June 3rd) in an emergency meeting. New OSHA proposed changes would be designed to align with CDPH’s most recent guidance.

CDPH Guidance Sets Rules for General Public & Vaccinated Californians:

The guidance issued by the CDPH set rules for the general public of California recommending vaccinated individuals remove masks except while using public transit systems, while in schools, healthcare settings, shelters, or prisons. The guidance also indicates that regardless of vaccination status, masks will not be required in most outdoor settings. Berg, of California OSHA, stated that CAL OSHA’s recommendations would coincide with the CDPH framework, which aligns with guidelines set out by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The June 3rd Changes Announced by CAL OSHA:

The CAL OSHA changes to Covid-19 related safety measures required by California employers were announced prior to the CDPH’s issued guidance regarding mask requirements for California’s general public. The changes announced on June 3rd were to change rules put in place in November of 2020. However, the June 3rd changes had not yet cleared California’s Office of Administrative Law and were not in effect until the changes were officially published. Since the June 3rd changes were unanimously withdrawn at the emergency meeting, the requirements will remain as stated in the November 2020 rules until further changes are made.

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