Today, Oregon OSHA released a statement regarding face masks and social distancing.
Specifically, Oregon OSHA stated that it “expects employers to ensure that the physical distancing and facial covering requirements of the rule are enforced as reflected by the OHA guidance.”
As we alerted yesterday, OHA’s new guidance states that employers can choose to no longer require face masks and physical distancing for fully vaccinated individuals or employers can continue to require masks and physical distancing in their locations for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals still must comply with OHA guidance, which states that unvaccinated individuals must wear masks at work unless they are in a private, individual workplace or they are outdoors.
If an employer or business chooses to not require masks or physical distancing for fully vaccinated individuals, the business or employer must require employees, customers and other visitors to require proof of being fully vaccinated, which must then be reviewed before being allowed to not wear a mask and physically distance. Businesses and employers must also have a policy for reviewing the vaccination status of employees, customers and other visitors.
The requirements of OAR 437-001-0744 other than those related to distancing and the use of facial coverings remain in place and are not affected by the vaccination exemption.
Cascade will continue to monitor this and we will keep you updated should any new information arise. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!