Oregon Issues COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard

Coronavirus protection. Mature man in the city after the work day, wearing protective mask on the face. Calling for a taxi.

Oregon issued it’s temporary COVID-19 standard on November 6th, joining Virginia, New Jersey, and Michigan on the list of states with emergency rules to address the coronavirus.

The state’s new coronavirus rules – which apply to all workplaces unless otherwise noted – take effect Nov. 16, 2020, and will remain in effect until May 4, 2021, unless revised or repealed before that date.

Masks, Cleaning, and Air Circulation

Once the rule goes into effect, all employers must ensure:

  • Work activities are designed to eliminate the need for any employee to be within 6 feet of another individual unless the employer can demonstrate physical distancing isn’t feasible in certain situations
  • All individuals at the workplace wear a mask, face covering or face shield
  • Masks, face coverings or face shields are provided to employees at no cost to the worker
  • Employees traveling in a vehicle for work purposes, regardless of distance or duration, wear masks, face coverings or face shields
  • Common areas, shared equipment and high-touch surfaces are cleaned with the frequency described in detail in the standard
  • Provide employees with supplies and time to perform proper hand hygiene when sharing equipment
  • The Oregon OSHA “COVID-19 Hazards Poster” is posted in a conspicuous, central location where workers can see it, and
  • Optimize the amount of outside air circulated through existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems by no later than Nov. 23, 2020.