We're providing policyholders with the key revisions that every California business needs to know.

Dear Valued Agency Partner,

Please be advised that the message below will be sent to all California policyholders today, Tuesday, June 29, 2021. If you have any questions, please reach out to your business development representative or underwriter for assistance.

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woody-hill

Woody Hill
Vice President, Enterprise Loss Control


 

Dear Valued Business Partner,

As we continue navigating COVID-19 and safety in the workplace, we want to be sure you are aware of recently passed California amendment on June 17, 2021, from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).

We have attached the link with the updated COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards - Fact Sheets, Model Written Program and Other Resources that all employers need to be aware of.

Here are some key revisions businesses need to know:

  1. Cal/OSHA’s revised ETS generally aligns with and even references the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)’s Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings. Employers must provide face coverings and ensure they are worn by employee when required by the CDPH and when non-fully vaccinated employees are indoors or in vehicles.

  2. As such, masks are generally not required for fully vaccinated individuals except when a CDPH exception applies (such as when on public transit, when indoors in school, childcare and other youth settings, when in healthcare settings, when in correctional facilities and detention centers, and when in homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers). However, employers must allow fully vaccinated employees to wear face coverings without fear of retaliation. In addition, when face coverings are required, employers must continue to ensure such face covering are clean, undamaged, and worn over the nose and mouth.

  3. Cal/OSHA’s revised ETS also places limitations on the type of face coverings that employees must wear in the workplace. Notably, a face covering must be a surgical mask, medical procedure mask, respirator worn voluntarily, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven material of at least two layers. Impermissible face coverings now include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, or single layer of fabric.

California employers are encouraged to review all changes to the ETS and to evaluate their current COVID-19 prevention plan, notices and other related documents as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the revised ETS. Further, employers are also urged to consider how they will approach the issue of COVID-19 vaccines in relation to their employees in light of these ETS revisions and recent EEOC vaccine guidance.

You’ll find this and other helpful information in our COVID Resource Center on copperpoint.com. If you have any questions, please contact us at cpsafety@copperpoint.com.

We value your business and appreciate your ongoing dedication to safety during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Woody Hill
Vice President, Enterprise Loss Control