Cal/OSHA's new regulations - approved November 30, 2020 for immediate action - require "that employers implement a site-specific written COVID-19 prevention program to address COVID-19 health hazards, correct unsafe or unhealthy conditions and provide face coverings. When there are multiple COVID-19 infections or outbreaks at the worksite, employers must provide COVID-19 testing and notify public health departments. The regulations also require accurate recordkeeping and reporting of COVID-19 cases." (News Release 2020-99 from the DIR)
While the idea of MORE regulations is not a pleasing thought to any employer, the DIR did at least provide some useful resources for reference. They can be found below as well as links to blogs and articles posted by professionals LBW holds in high regard. Most of what is contained in the new "Emergency Temporary Standards" was already required by other guidelines and regulations. That being the case, most employers shouldn't have much work to do in meeting compliance with the new ETS. It will just require employers to spend time reviewing the information and ensuring all actions and communications are in line.
FAQ page: COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Frequently Asked Questions This page is VERY informative/helpful.
One page fact sheet: Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards – What Employers Need to Know
One element of the new regulations requires employers to have a written COVID-19 prevention program. A model program can be found (as a Microsoft Word doc) here: Model COVID-19 Prevention Program (CPP)
Training Webinars: Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services branch will be offering training webinars to help employers understand the new regulations. Those will be posted here Webinars on COVID-19
Cal/OSHA intends to hold a stakeholder meeting in December to explain the rule, answer questions and give interested parties an opportunity to provide feedback on the rule. An advisory committee meeting will be scheduled soon after that. Future updates may be posted here as they are made available.