Nov. 4, 2021
OSHA Releases Rule Requiring Large Private Employers to Mandate Vaccines
On Thursday federal OSHA released the anticipated rule mandating vaccinations for all employees at private businesses with 100 or more employees. Employees will have until January 4, 2022 to be vaccinated or begin weekly testing. Employers are required to provide paid time off to get vaccinated and for any side effects. The rule also provides that employees who do not get vaccinated will have to be tested weekly and employees may be required to pay for their own tests, however the rule notes that state laws or agreements may take precedence.
Oregon is an approved state plan, so Oregon OSHA will have to adopt rules that are “at least as effective” as the federal rules. The division will have until around Nov. 19 to inform federal OSHA how they plan to respond and will need to have a rule in place no later than Dec. 5. The COVID-19 Rulemaking Advisory Committee will be meeting this Tuesday, Nov. 9 to discuss next steps and how, if at all, Oregon’s rule will differ from the federal rule. We will keep you updated as we learn more. In the meantime, visit the federal OSHA website for more information about the new rules.