CA Governor Signs Order to Update Workplace Safety Rules

Following the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) release of new indoor masking guidance, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Feb. 28 that updates the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) in keeping with the current guidance.
In California, starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated workers indoors, consistent with the updated CDPH guidance, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. Employers must still provide a face covering upon request of an employee.
The order also extends the current ETS through May 5, 2022 to ensure the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has time to review the new guidance in anticipation of the next readoption of the ETS.
The text of the Governor’s executive order can be found here.