On March 14, 2022, Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced changes to the COVID-19 Requirements for All Workplaces, in order to align with the updated guidance from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The OR OSHA announcement states the following:
General Workplaces
Employers in general workplaces, which are defined as all workplaces other than exceptional risk workplaces, must:
- Allow workers to voluntarily use facial coverings and provide facial coverings at no cost to workers.
- Facilitate COVID-19 testing for workers if such testing is conducted at the employer’s direction by ensuring the employer covers the costs associated with that testing, including employee time and travel.
In addition to those requirements, employers in general workplaces should:
- Continue to optimize the use of ventilation systems to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
- Follow OHA, public health, or medical provider recommendations for isolation or quarantine of employees for COVID-19.
- Provide notice to workers who have had a potential work-related exposure to COVID-19 within 24 hours.
Exceptional Risk Workplaces
The requirements for exceptional risk workplaces, which are primarily where direct patient care is provided (defined under section 3 and 4 under OAR 437-001-0744) will generally remain in place. This includes but is not limited to: physical distancing, masks, cleaning and sanitation, COVID-19 infection notifications, COVID-19 testing, and medical removals. Additionally, the OR OSHA announcement states that contact tracing requirements under the above OAR will no longer be applicable to law enforcement personnel, personal care providers, and laboratories that work with human remains or human tissue from people known or suspected to be infected with COVID-19.
Oregon OSHA, in conjunction with OHA, will continue to monitor and repeal COVID-19 rules as they become no longer necessary. Furthermore, OHA announced that it will not be changing the mask and vaccine requirements as it relates to healthcare worker settings. Specifically, masks for healthcare settings are still required under OAR 333-019-1011 and health care providers and health care staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 under OAR 333-019-1010, unless there is a religious or medical exemption.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.