Governor Kate Brown, through the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- OSHA -- has proposed rules for all workplaces to create a standard for practices “reflecting the broad potential for exposure to SARS-CoV-2.”

Some of the highlights include:

“Both the work activities and the workplace must be designed to eliminate the need for any worker to be within 6-feet of another individual in order to fulfill their duties. To the extent that the employer determines and can demonstrate that such separation is not a practical option, the employer must ensure that face coverings are worn in accordance with (2)(b) of this subsection and that as much distance as practical is maintained between individuals.”

“The 6-foot distancing requirement of (2)(a)(A) has been met when employees are separated from other individuals by an impermeable barrier that creates a “droplet buffer” that provides at least 6-feet in distance between the mouths of the affected individuals. Such a droplet buffer must be calculated using the shortest distance around or through gaps in the barrier.”

“Whenever employees are transported in a motor vehicle for work purposes, the center points of the seats of any passengers not part of the same household must be separated by at least 3-feet.”

The rules call for the creation of a Social Distancing Officer. “All employers with at least 25 employees at any time must designate one or more employees who will be responsible to assist the employer in identifying appropriate social distancing, proper face covering use, and sanitation measures and ensure such policies and procedures are implemented. The social distancing officer must have the authority to take prompt corrective action or to implement measures to eliminate or otherwise minimize exposure to COVID-19. Employers with fewer than 25 employees may choose to appoint such a social distancing officer to assist the employer in complying with the requirements of this rule.”

Written comments related to this draft temporary standard should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure appropriate consideration; comments will be accepted through September 7, to Oregon OSHA’s rulemaking team at: tech.web@oregon.gov


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-09-01 16:52:23