Effective today, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OR-OSHA”) repealed the COVID-19 workplace safety rules that obligated most employers to require employees and visitors to wear face coverings and observe physical distancing rules in the workplace.  However, most of OR-OSHAs rules remain in effect and the repeal of the face-covering and distancing requirements does not apply to all workplaces.  Here is a summary of the most critical aspects of OR-OSHA’s modified rules:

Face Coverings and Physical Distancing.  Employers are no longer required to mandate that employees and visitors wear face coverings or observe physical distancing rules in the workplace, regardless of the employees’ or visitors’ vaccination status.  However, employers may choose to require face coverings and/or physical distancing (subject to employees’ rights to a reasonable accommodation under disability or religious discrimination laws) and must allow employees to wear face coverings if they choose to do so.  (Face-covering and distancing requirements continue to apply to healthcare employers, as described below.)

Cleaning and Sanitation Requirements.  Employers must continue to regularly clean or sanitize all common areas, high-touch surfaces, and shared equipment.  “Regularly” means at least every 24 hours when in use, except in situations where employees are only present on a “drop-in” basis or staffing is kept to a minimal level.  Employers must also continue to provide the supplies and time for employees who wish to do so to clean their workspace or hand-sanitize more frequently.