Proposed Repeal of Rules Addressing the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and Work Clothing Changes

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Virtual Public Hearing Scheduled for:

 Date                                       Time

July 25, 2023                       10:00 am

Please register for Proposed Repeal of Rules Addressing the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and Work Clothing Changes on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2023 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) at:

https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_0qG_P0f8RuKt5fSveGkJHg

After registering for a webinar, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. In order to ensure as many people as possible are able to testify, Oregon OSHA reserves the right to restrict testimony to no more than 5 minutes.

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Rule Summary:

Oregon OSHA proposes to permanently repeal all COVID-19 rules. These rules are already temporarily suspended through Administrative Order 1-2023 in alignment with Oregon Health Authority’s public health order rescinding health care setting masking requirements effective April 3, 2023.

The proposed repeals include OAR 437-001-0744: Rule Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks and 437-004-1115: COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing.

While Oregon OSHA proposes to permanently repeal its COVID-19 rules, the agency recognizes that some employees may still feel vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. In response, the agency is retaining the ability for an employee to wear a facial covering, if they so choose, by amending the following rules:

• OAR 437-002-0134 Personal Protective Equipment in Division 2,
• OAR 437-003-0134 Personal Protective Equipment in Division 3, and
• OAR 437-004-1030 Work Clothing in Division 4.

Employers are no longer responsible for providing facial coverings to their employees. However, if employers require their use, they must supply these items at no cost to employees. Oregon OSHA also adds a note stating that employers are not required to allow voluntary use of respirators if an employee requests to use one in lieu of a face covering.

This rulemaking fulfills Oregon OSHA’s stated commitment to repeal the COVID-19 rules when it is no longer necessary to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Direct link to proposed rulemaking documents: notice letter, text of changes and filing documents.

Please visit our website osha.oregon.gov/rules to view our proposed rules, or select other rule activity from this page.

 When does this happen:      Adoption of proposed changes will tentatively be in August 2023.

 To get a copy:                       Our web site – osha.oregon.gov   Rules and laws, then, Proposed rules

                                                Or call 503-947-7449

 To comment:                         Department of Consumer and Business Services/Oregon OSHA

                                                PO BOX 14480

                                                Salem OR 97309-0405

                                                Email – OSHA.rulemaking@dcbs.oregon.gov

                                                Fax – 503-947-7461

 

Comment period closes:      August 4, 2023, at 5:00 PM

Oregon OSHA contact:        Matt Kaiser, Salem Central Office @ 503-378-3272, or email at Matthew.C.KAISER@dcbs.oregon.gov.