Cal/OSHA’s emergency regulations requiring employers to protect workers from hazards related to COVID-19 are now in effect, following their approval by the Office of Administrative Law. The emergency standards apply to most workers in California

“These are strong but achievable standards to protect workers. They also clarify what employers have to do to prevent workplace exposure to COVID-19 and stop outbreaks,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker.

Some Non-California employers are required to meet Federal OSHA standards. OSHA has markedly stepped up its enforcement of safety measures related to coronavirus.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Nov. 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 203 citations arising from inspections for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $2,851,533.

OSHA inspections have resulted in the agency citing employers for violations, including failures to:

— Implement a written respiratory protection program;
— Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper use of a respirator and personal protective equipment;
— Report an injury, illness or fatality;
— Record an injury or illness on OSHA recordkeeping forms; and
— Comply with the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

OSHA has already announced citations relating to the coronavirus arising out of 178 inspections, which can be found at dol.gov/newsroom.

Eleven of the most recent citations, issued between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26 and made public Friday, have resulted in coronavirus-related fines totaling $101,207, according to the statement. All 11 employers cited are either health care facilities or senior care living facilities, with recent fines up to $25,061, according to data released by OSHA.

OSHA provides more information about individual citations at its Establishment Search website, which it updates periodically.