On April 3rd, Oregon OSHA implemented a temporary rule, which rescinds the COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for All Workplaces (OAR 437-001-0744) and Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing (OAR 437-004-1115). This will remain in place until a permanent rule can be adopted.
Previously, in March of 2022, OR OSHA had removed many of the COVID-19 requirements for general workplaces, such as indoor face mask requirements, but kept those rules in place for employers in healthcare settings. Now, under this rule change, employers in healthcare settings are no longer required to wear face masks. The revised rules expressly state that all employers must “allow employees to wear a face covering if they so choose, unless doing so creates or otherwise exposes the employee to a hazard.” Employers may also implement workplace requirements that go beyond these rules, such as requiring employees to wear face masks. However, employers who require face masks must supply them to their employees at no cost.
Oregon OSHA recommends employers still follow OHA and CDC COVID-19 guidelines. For instance, OHA recommends if an employee has tested positive for COVID-19, they should not be around others until at least 5 days have passed since the individual’s first symptoms, the individual has not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of medicine, the individual’s symptoms improve, and they can wear a mask for an additional 5 days. If the individual tested positive, but never had symptoms, they can be around others when 5 days have passed since their test if they can wear a mask for an additional 5 days.
If you have any questions, please let us know!