MASKS IN THE WORKPLACE: OFFICIAL OREGON OSHA SUMMARY STATEMENT
On June 4, 2021, Governor Kate Brown announced the removal of capacity limits on businesses and elimination of all mask requirements once the State reaches 70 percent of adults vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose. On June 25, 2021, she further announced that Oregon would be making the change no later than June 30, 2021. Consistent with that decision, and to give the rule changes immediate effect, Oregon OSHA is amending OAR 437-001-0744 Rule Addressing COVID-10 Workplace Risks.
Major changes include the removal of physical distancing (section (3)(a)) and mask, face-covering, or face shield section (3)(b)) requirements for most employers. The rule retains the provision that an employee who chooses to wear a mask, face shield, or face covering, even when it is not required, must be allowed to do so. Notable exceptions to these changes include healthcare as well as transit.
