COVID-19: Safety at Work

Here are some ergonomic guidelines and resources for working at home during the COVID-19 crisis and some safety tips for returning to the office.

Updated COVID Measures

On July 26, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that as of August 2, 2021, all employees of the State of California must either:

1. have proof of full vaccination, or
2. undergo weekly COVID tests and wear approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to face masks and other PPE, as their employment may require.

As of August 2, 2021, the same mandate will roll in to all health care workers, and to employees of congregate living facilities (nursing homes, jails, and homeless shelters) with health care employers having until August 23 to be compliant. “Full vaccination” means the required course of two injections of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or the single shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Because this directive is new, implementation by employers in affected sectors will evolve and there will be questions. Specific questions, for example  whether medically fragile employees must comply, can affect ADA and other labor laws, so employers are urged to consult with their own labor lawyers and human resources professionals to make sure work from home, and other options are legally compliant.  

New Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Regulations (Effective November 30, 2020)

Refer to these documents to comply with the new temporary Regulations.

Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards - What Employers Need to Know
COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Prevention Program (CPP)

Ergonomics at Home Office

• Employee workstation; making proper adjustments to work setup. Includes exercises to relieve neck and back tension. Ergonomic Workstation 4-page booklet
• Proper requirements for workstation design; resources and evaluation. Ergonomics-Loss Control 28-page brochure
• Home office ergonomics; correct sitting posture diagram
• Stretch-Flex for Health and Safety. Leader’s guide, includes warm up poster.
• Safety poster with standing stretches: Warm Up Before Work

Reopening after Shelter in Place

• Protect workers from Coronavirus: Statewide Industry Guidance.
• Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes. CDC Reopening Guidance.
• Posters to print and post. OSHA guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19. Free CDC coronavirus safety resources.
• Safety and health topics: Federal OSHA Coronavirus.
• Information for grocery and food retail workers: CDC guidance for food retailers.
• Guidance for food stores, restaurants, and food pick-up/delivery services during COVID-19. Best Practices
• California Department of Health: Thirty-two page "Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening"

COVID-19 Resources

• CDC Website: How to protect yourself
• Departments of Health for State and Territorial information
• Poster showing how to stop the spread of germs
• Poster describing the symptoms of COVID-19
• Frequently Asked Questions
• California Senate Bill 1159 (SB 1159) FAQ
• COVID-19 form for cases from July 6, 2020 to prior to the effective date of SB1159 (9/17/20)
• COVID-19 form for cases on or after the effective date of SB1159 (9/17/2020)
• 2022 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Act