COVID-19 pandemic: Resources for complying with Oregon emergency temporary standard

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA has published various online resources intended to aid employer compliance with an emergency temporary standard aimed at protecting workers statewide from exposure to COVID-19.

Oregon OSHA, which operates under federal OSHA’s State Plan program, has made available the following:

• An exposure risk assessment form to gauge employees’ potential exposure to COVID-19
• A model policy for notification of employees when COVID-19 exposure occurs
• A COVID-19 hazards poster – available in English and Spanish
• An overview table summarizing rule requirements and applications

More resources will be available in the weeks to come, the agency states in a Nov. 13 press release.

The rule, which went into effect Nov. 16, outlines multiple requirements for employers, including:

• Designing workplaces and job tasks so employees can maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
• Providing masks, face coverings or faceshields for workers and, in line with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, ensuring all individuals wear them.
• Seeking feedback from employees to conduct a risk assessment of potential exposure to COVID-19.
• Creating an infection control plan that details elements such as when workers must use personal protective equipment and describing specific hazard controls.
• Notifying affected workers within 24 hours of a work-related COVID-19 infection.
• Cooperating with public health officials should workplace testing be necessary.

The agency, which provides free consultation and technical assistance, states that it plans to phase in certain elements of the rule – expected to remain effective until May 4.