Photo by Jake Schumacher on Unsplash
A new CA law that went into effect Jan. 1 allows state regulators to shut down jobsites that expose workers to an imminent hazard of COVID-19 infection, while eliminating a previously required 15-day rebuttal period for contractors to respond to any alleged “serious violations” related to COVID-19.
The state’s AB 685 law codifies much of the emergency temporary standard that Cal/OSHA implemented in November. But it also expands the notification requirements for employers, as well as Cal/OSHA’s policing powers for violations of infection prevention requirements aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.