California Issues Draft Permanent Covid Worker Safety Rule (1)

California’s proposed permanent Covid-19 worker protection standard would require employers to incorporate infection prevention efforts into their existing injury and illness prevention programs for other workplace hazards, according to a draft of the rule.

The proposed rule, released June 18, is expected to be enacted by the end of 2022 and would replace the state’s emergency temporary standard in place since November 2020. The draft calls for the standard to expire two years after enactment, but that deadline could be extended.

The 16-page draft standard from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health sets out requirements for free ...