Cal/OSHA Encourages Following New Guidance On Face Masks Indoors

Aug. 25, 2021 — In addition to the requirements of the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and as a best practice, CalOSHA encourages employers and workers to follow the recent update from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommending that all individuals wear face coverings while indoors regardless of vaccination status.

CDPH recently updated its Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings to include that recommendation due to the recent increase of COVID-19 infections in the workplace. For more specifics on the recent updates from CDPH, please refer to their fact sheet When Do You Need Your Mask in California?

Employers should ensure that any employee who requests a face covering at work is provided one, as required by the ETS.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace safety and health programs, including assistance with developing a COVID-19 prevention program at their worksite, can call CalOSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

Workers who have questions about COVID-19 hazards at work can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative during normal business hours. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with CalOSHA district offices.

Several counties have issued requirements going beyond state mandates or setting requirements for vaccine verification on certain occupations or industries.

• Contra Costa – Requirement for Vaccine Verification for First Responders
• Los Angeles – Health Care Worker Vaccination Requirement
• Mendocino – Requiring Employers of Emergency Medical Services, Fire, Law Enforcement, and Operators of Temporary Disaster Shelters to Verify Vaccination Status.
• San Francisco – Vaccine Verification for Certain Businesses Staff and Patrons
• Sonoma – Requiring fire, law enforcement, emergency medical service workers, and staff to show proof of vaccination

CalOSHA encourages employers and workers to follow the recent update, but these California counties require face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status: