On July 29, 2022, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) proposed to implement new workplace safety standards for large employers operating in the state. Referred to as General Industry Safety Orders, the proposed standards would require employers to play a more active role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Specifically, the Safety Orders would require employers to incorporate COVID-19 prevention measures into their Injury and Illness Prevention Programs, provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to their employees and train them on how to properly use PPE, train their employees on COVID-19, properly investigate cases of COVID-19 in the workplace, and more.
Pandemic Patients supports the implementation of workplace safety standards that are responsive to the danger presented by COVID-19. On September 14, 2022, Pandemic Patients sent a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board in support of the agency’s proposed Safety Orders because they represent an effective method of reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Our letter also offered amendments to the proposed Safety Orders that would strengthen them while protecting employees and improving their access to workplace disability benefits. Review our letter to learn more about our position on this issue.
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board will be holding a hearing to discuss the proposed Safety Orders on September 15, 2022 at 10am PT. Access our COVID-19 Advocacy Center to learn more.
