Vote postponed on Cal/OSHA’s revised COVID-19 standard to allow consideration of recent CDC guidance on vaccinations and masks

On May 20, 2021, the California Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board voted to table consideration of proposed revisions to the Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standard (ETS) for COVID-19 in response to the Division of Occupational Safety & Health’s written request for more time to consider the CDC’s May 13^th guidance that allows fully vaccinated persons not to wear masks in some settings.

At the public hearing, it was clear from statements of the Division and Standards Board representatives that Governor Newsom’s goal of re-opening the State by June 15, 2021 also has influenced the timing and decision-making process for these state agencies. The Division wants a revised ETS to be enacted by June 15^th.

To comply with legal notice requirements, the Division must submit a new proposal by May 28, 2021 and the Standards Board will then consider the new proposal at a hearing on June 3, 2021. The public will have a five-day window (including Memorial Day weekend) to comment on the proposal before the June 3^rd vote.