The standards board for Cal/OSHA recently released a set of FAQs to better inform employers of new worker safety requirements for COVID-19. At a board meeting Thursday, business groups said fears have continued to linger over heavy fines for noncompliance despite the new guidance.
CalChamber’s Rob Moutrie described widespread confusion over whether paid sick leave is unlimited and whether it is considered a workplace outbreak if a nonemployee on site later tests positive.
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These issues will come up in an advisory committee meeting with stakeholders in mid-February. The board could then refine the emergency standard in its March meeting.
Cal/OSHA has been experiencing a record workload lately, particularly in the legal department. This is due to an unprecedented amount of petitions, litigation and emergency actions related to the pandemic and wildfire smoke. The agency plans to submit a new budget request in the May Revise.
