01.07.22

COVID-19 Update: Cal/OSHA Aligns Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine with CDPH

COVID-19

COVID-19 Update:

Cal/OSHA Aligns Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine with CDPH

The number of executive agencies, at both the state and federal level, advising on or regulating individual behavior during this pandemic, and the frequency with which those communications are issued, continues to be extremely confusing for employers. Thankfully, today it gets slightly less overwhelming as Cal/OSHA has clarified employer expectations in light of both CDC and California Dept. of Public Health (CDPH) guidance (issued December 30 and updated January 6).

Work Exclusion Requirements

We sent an update earlier this week after the CDPH’s initial guidance. That guidance has been modified slightly, and now the CDPH and Cal/OSHA seem to be on the same page. We review the Cal/OSHA and CDPH requirements below, but your local health department may have issued more strict guidance. (Please send us an e-mail if you would like a PDF document of the tables below.)

 

You may notice that the post-exposure exclusion requirements are virtually the same for vaccinated employees, with or without the booster dose. We’re not sure why the CDPH makes this distinction, but it may be in anticipation of future changes for either status.

 

Neither the CDPH nor Cal/OSHA directly address the situation of a symptomatic employee with no known COVID exposure. We recommend employers follow the guidance above for those who have tested positive, unless the employee takes a negative COVID-19 test or provides medical certification of a different illness (such as a sinus infection.) If the employee cannot or will not provide such documentation, he/she should be excluded from work for ten days from the start of symptoms.

 

Employees may be permitted to take rapid tests or at-home tests to satisfy the CDPH requirements. However, according to Cal/OSHA an over-the-counter test may not be both self-administered and self-read. This means the test must be observed by the employer or an authorized telehealth proctor. (If your employee is excluded from work pending a test result, you may observe the test through a video call/meeting.)

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California Mask Mandate

A statewide mask mandate was originally set for December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022. On January 5, the CDPH extended this mask mandate until February 15, 2022.

Employers should take this mask mandate seriously. The Dept. of Industrial Relations (DIR) updated their FAQ page after the CDPH issued the original mask mandate on December 13, 2021. The DIR reminded employers that while Cal/OSHA no longer explicitly required face coverings generally, the regulation still required employers to “ensure [face coverings] are worn by employees when required by [CDPH] orders.” The DIR added, “The [CDPH mask mandate] is such an order.”

We recommend that employers follow the CDPH mask mandate, as this mandate can be enforced by Cal/OSHA.

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Federal Vaccine Mandate

Just this morning, January 7, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments related to the federal OSHA vaccine mandate and deliberated about whether to implement an administrative stay before the (delayed) mandate goes into effect this coming Monday, January 10, 2022.

 

That said, the federal mandate doesn’t impact employers in California – at least, not directly. Because California has a state plan (Cal/OSHA), federal emergency action like this vaccine mandate simply triggers a state-level response. This means that California has 30 days to discuss what the vaccine mandate will look like in our state, and these discussions will be taking place at the same time as the Supreme Court weighs whether or not the original mandate is even constitutional.

 

For now, there is no action required of California employers regardless of whether the Supreme Court issues a stay before the January 10 implementation deadline. We will continue watch for Cal/OSHA’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision and alert clients of any announced state requirements.


01.07.22

Isolation and Quarantine (“Exclusionary”) Periods For California Employees

COVID-19

Isolation and Quarantine (“Exclusionary”) Periods
For California Employees

by Doug Larsen of Fishman, Larsen, & Callister

Late on January 6, 2022, Cal/OSHA updated its FAQs on its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) incorporating recommendations issued by the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) on isolation and quarantine periods (also known as exclusionary periods). While the Cal/OSHA exclusionary periods have remained constant for the past six months, recommendations from the CDC and CDPH have changed several times. Currently, the recommendations from the CDC and CDPH are assuming that the omicron strain is less serious, and that people can return to the workplace and reintegrate into society much more quickly.
The Cal/OSHA update helps clarify the amount of time an employee must be excluded from the workplace in the event the employee has COVID-19 or has been in close contact with others with COVID-19.

History of Excluding Employees from Work

When Cal/OSHA approved the current ETS in June of 2021, it included rules requiring employers to exclude from the workplace employees with COVID-19 and persons who were exposed to COVID-19. These exclusionary periods differed from recommendations provided by the CDC and the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”).
Accordingly, Governor Newsom issued an executive order that declared the ETS exclusionary periods are overridden by CDPH recommendations when they were longer than those recommended by the CDPH.

Last night’s announcement clarifies that employers should follow the CDPH guidelines when determining how many days an employee with COVID-19 or exposed to COVID-19 must remain away from the workplace. In fact, Cal/OSHA recommends we begin following the ETS now which does not go into effect until January 14, 2022.

Exclusion Rules Under the January 2022 ETS

Employees Who Test Positive for COVID-19. Employees who test positive must be excluded from the workplace for at least 5 days. They may return after day 5 if symptoms are not present or are resolving and a specimen collected on day 5 or later tests negative.

If an employee does not test but the employee’s symptoms are not present or are resolving, the employee may return after the 10th day of exclusion.

Any employee must continue to be excluded until any fever resolves. “Fever” means a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Resolution of the fever means the body temperature is less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.

The employee must continue to avoid the workplace if symptoms are not resolving or until day 11 from a positive test. Employees who do return to the workplace must wear face coverings around others for 10 days after a positive test.

Exposed Employees Who are Unvaccinated or Did Not Receive a Booster.

Cal/OSHA and the CDPH consider a person who has been vaccinated but has not received a booster for which the person is eligible to be the same as an unvaccinated person. These persons must be excluded from the workplace for at least 5 days after the last close contact with a COVID-19 case. These persons must also test on day 5. If the test is negative and if symptoms are not present, the person can return to the workplace. An employee who does not have symptoms but who does not test must be excluded from the workplace after 10 days of exclusion.

Employees must wear face coverings around others for 10 days after close contact.If an exposed employee develops symptoms, the employee must be excluded pending the results of a test.

 

A person is eligible for a booster 6 months after the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. A person is eligible for a booster 2 months after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
Exposed Employees Who are Fully Vaccinated. If the employee has been vaccinated and has either received a booster or is not yet eligible for a booster may remain at work even if in close contact with a person with COVID-19. However, this person must test on day 5. The test must come back negative. This employee must also wear a face covering for 10 days after exposure. If the employee develops symptoms, the employee must be excluded pending the results of a test.

 

Date of COVID-19 Testing. Employees with COVID-19 must test on or after day 5 of a positive test. Employees partially or fully vaccinated must test on day 5. I’m not sure why the law makes this distinction. Cal/OSHA says that employers should follow the ETS for fully vaccinated employee who “cannot be tested on day 5.” This means that fully vaccinated employees must wear a face covering and maintain six feet of distance for 14 days following close contact.

Do You Need More Information?

Do you need help with managing the ever-evolving COVID-19 laws? Join us for a zoom conference on Thursday, January 27th at 9 am. Register at receptionist@flclaw.net.

 


01.05.22

COVID-19 Update: New Guidance on COVID Isolation Requirements

COVID-19

COVID-19 Update
New Guidance on COVID Isolation Requirements

The latest installment of state and federal COVID announcements leave us with more questions than answers…. You have probably heard that the CDC recently shortened its recommended quarantine timeline for COVID-positive individuals from ten days to five. On December 30, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) published its own update in alignment with the CDC.

Both the CDC and CDPH advise the following isolation and quarantine timeframes (included in the CDPH announcement):

Positive COVID-19 Test

  • Persons who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home for five days, regardless of symptoms or lack thereof, vaccination status, or previous COVID infection.
  • Isolation can end after five days if symptoms are resolved or resolving and a COVID test is negative.
  • The individual should continue to wear a mask for an additional five days.

COVID-19 Exposure

  • Individuals who have been in close contact with a COVID-19 case are not required to quarantine if they are fully-vaccinated and have received a booster dose.
  • Individuals who are unvaccinated or who have not received a booster, should stay home for five days after the last contact with the COVID-positive person. If COVID symptoms do not develop and a COVID test is negative after day five, quarantine can end.

BUT WAIT!

Before you start revising your company’s COVID protocols, remember that our workplaces are still bound by the Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standard for COVID-19. In fact , the CDPH specifically states that workplaces should consult Cal/OSHA regulations for “additional requirements.”

Those requirements currently include a mandatory ten-day isolation for any employee who tests positive for COVID, and ten days of quarantine for unvaccinated employees who have been in close contact with a COVID-19 case.

Further, in its revised regulations that become effective on January 14, 2022, Cal/OSHA states that fully-vaccinated employees may stay at work following an exposure to COVID only if they 1) remain symptom-free, 2) wear a face covering for 14 days following the date of close contact, 3) maintain six feet of distance from others at the workplace for 14 days, and 4) get a COVID test three to five days after the close contact. Because of the nature of the workplace, or the nature of services provided in the workplace, maintaining the six feet of distance may be impractical or impossible. Thus, the only viable solution may be to exclude those employees from the workplace. If the exposure is work-related, employers must provide exclusionary pay for any missed work hours.

So, what do we do with this conflicting information?

The CDC and CDPH give guidance and recommendations to individuals, while Cal/OSHA gives enforceable regulations to employers. We hope that Cal/OSHA will update its standard to align with these other agencies, but until then we advise maintaining the existing ten-day timelines for excluding employees from work.

Stay Tuned

Sierra HR Partners will provide more details regarding the Cal/OSHA updates that become effective on January 14, and there will be an upcoming Legal Beagle Bagel Breakfast training opportunity with Doug Larsen on all of the recent changes.

As always, Sierra HR Partners is here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 precautions. Stay tuned for more information, and contact one of our Consultants with any questions you have.

 

 


12.30.21

Employers Beware: Exempt Salary Increase as Minimum Wages Increase

FLC - Wage & Hour

Employers Beware: Exempt Salary Increase as Minimum Wages Increase

by Doug Larsen of Fishman, Larsen, & Callister

Minimum Wage Increase in 2022

On January 1, 2022, California will hit its goal of $15 per hour minimum wage for businesses with 26 or more employees. Minimum wage for smaller employers will be $14 per hour in 2022. Next year small employers will be required to pay the $15 per hour minimum wage.
What employers often forget is that when the minimum wage increases, so does the salary level for exempt employees.

Salaries for Exempt Employees Increase in 2022

Under California law, an employee may be exempt if the employee functions as a manager, administrator or professional and if the employee is paid at least two times the minimum wage in the form of a salary. This means that a large employer in California must pay its exempt employees at least $62,400 and a small employer must pay its exempt employees $58,240 to maintain the exemption.

When we speak of an “exemption” we are typically saying that the employee is exempt from overtime compensation. In California, “exemption” also means that most of the provisions of the Wage Order do not apply to the employee. Accordingly, an exempt employee – a person who passes the salary test and the duties test as a manager, administrator or professional – cannot assert many of the wage and hour claims that non-exempt employees can make. Maintaining that exemption, although it comes with a high salary, can be a powerful tool for any employer.
If you want to maintain the exemption, be sure to increase the salaries of exempt employees to meet the statutory minimum.

 

What Happens If You Fail to Pay the Minimum Salary

If you fail to pay the salary minimum, your employees who may be exempt in 2021 are not exempt in 2022. This means they are entitled to overtime compensation, among other things. However, most employers won’t be keeping the formerly exempt employee’s time (which is a time-keeping violation). This means that paycheck stubs are inaccurate, and you are subject to awards of damages and civil penalties. Meal period violations may occur, resulting in an additional hour of compensation as a “premium.” Moreover, if that premium or overtime is not paid by the time the formerly exempt worker’s employment ends, you will be liable for up to 30 days of pay in the form of waiting period penalties.

 

FLC Represents California Employers

The law firm of Fishman, Larsen & Callister represents and fights for California employers. Contact us if you are a California employer and need help navigating California’s employment laws.


12.20.21

COVID-19 Update: OSHA’s Federal Vaccine Mandate is Back In Effect

COVID-19

COVID-19 Update:
OSHA’s Federal Vaccine Mandate is Back In Effect

Early in November, OSHA issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that mandated vaccination policies for employers of 100 or more employees. Shortly after, the Fifth Circuit Court issued a stay on that ETS. On Friday, December 17th, 2021, the Sixth Circuit Court filed an emergency motion to dissolve this stay.

OSHA’s ETS is extensive. It requires employers to verify employee vaccination status using official documentation, provide paid time off for employees to receive vaccinations and recover from side effects, provide weekly COVID-19 testing for those exempted from the vaccine mandate, and create policies and guidelines related to these safety measures.

Employers generally felt a sense of relief when the federal ETS was paused. Now, that relief is dissolving just like the Fifth Circuit Court stay. Several emergency petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court of the United States, but unless the Supreme Court issues a stay of its own, enforcement of the OSHA ETS will proceed early next year.

What should employers do now?

OSHA has written that they plan to exercise “enforcement discretion with respect to the compliance dates of the ETS.” They continue, “To provide employers with sufficient time to come into compliance, OSHA will not issue citations for noncompliance with any requirements of the ETS before January 10 and will not issue citations for noncompliance with the standard’s testing requirements before February 9, so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance with the standard. OSHA will work closely with the regulated community to provide compliance assistance.” (emphasis added)

This means that covered employers with 100+ employees should begin to develop, implement, and enforce their mandatory vaccination policies and start tracking the vaccination status of employees by obtaining appropriate official documentation. Employers must also provide CDC information about vaccines, protection against retaliation, and the criminal penalties associated with knowingly providing false information. These actions are required by January 10. Employers should also determine the extent to which they will implement weekly COVID-19 testing. These measures are required by February 9.

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On a somewhat-related topic, we know there have been questions about the enforcement of California’s latest state-wide mask mandate for indoor spaces through January 15, 2022. Some local authorities have publicly stated they will not enforce the CDPH requirement, but Cal/OSHA is taking a strict approach. In their posted FAQs, Cal/OSHA states that its emergency temporary standard “requires that employers provide face coverings and ensure they are worn by employees when required by orders of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The December 13, 2021 CDPH guidance is such an order.” This means that Cal/OSHA may issue citations for companies who do not comply with the mask mandate, even if City or County officials do not.

As always, Sierra HR Partners is here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 precautions. Stay tuned for more information, and contact one of our Consultants with any questions you have.