California Updates Requirements for COVID-19 Exposure Notification and Reporting Requirements at the Workplace

California Updates Requirements for COVID-19 Exposure Notification and Reporting
Requirements at the Workplace

On October 5, 2021, California enacted AB 654, which immediately updated the COVID-19 exposure notification and reporting requirements for employers. AB 654 requires that employers provide:

1. Written notice to all employees, and the employers of subcontracted employees, who were on the premises at the same worksite as the positive COVID-19 case within the infectious period that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. This notice must reasonably be anticipated to be received by the employee within one business day of sending.
2. Information to all employees who were on the premises at the same worksite as the qualifying individual within the infectious period and the exclusive representative, if any, regarding COVID-19-related benefits to which the employee may be entitled under applicable federal, state, or local laws, including, but not limited to, workers’ compensation, and options for exposed employees, including COVID-19-related leave, company sick leave, state-mandated leave, supplemental sick leave, or negotiated leave provisions, as well as anti-retaliation and anti-discrimination protections of the employee.
3. Notice of the cleaning and disinfection plan that the employer is implementing, per the CDC and COVID-19 prevention program required by the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), to all employees who were on the premises at the same worksite as the positive COVID-19 case within the infectious period, and the employers of subcontracted employees who were on the premises at the same worksite as the positive COVID-19 case within the infectious period. This notice will no longer be required to go to any employee who exclusively teleworks.