Newsom Issues Order to Update Workplace Safety Rules

On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order updating the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to align the standard with the state’s new indoor masking guidance.

Executive Order N-5-22 specifies that as of March 1, 2022, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated employees indoors but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. Employers must still provide a fact covering upon request of an employee.

The executive order additionally extends the current ETS through May 5, 2022, to ensure the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) has time to review new guidance in anticipation of the next readoption of the ETS.

Additional information from the Governor’s Office is available here.