February 5, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Cal/OSHA announced the conclusion of its COVID-19 prevention standards, while reminding employers that workplace safety and reporting obligations remain in effect under general Cal/OSHA requirements. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has officially ended most COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards as of February 2025. These regulations, initially implemented on February 3, 2023, were set to remain in effect for two years. However, some reporting and recordkeeping requirements will continue until 2026.
The end of the COVID-19 prevention standards signifies a transition toward long-term workplace health management rather than emergency regulation. Employers are still expected to maintain proactive safety practices under the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and assess ongoing COVID-19 risks based on their specific work environments. Cal/OSHA emphasized that even without the emergency framework, the responsibility to prevent and respond to infectious disease exposure remains a key component of California’s occupational safety requirements.
What Employers Still Need to Do
Even though the specific COVID-19 prevention standards have expired, employers must continue following California’s general workplace safety laws, including maintaining a safe work environment under Labor Code section 6400, implementing an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) as required by Title 8, Section 3203, and addressing any ongoing COVID-19 hazards identified in their workplace risk assessments.
- Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace as required under Labor Code section 6400.
- Implementing and maintaining an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in accordance with Title 8, California Code of Regulations, section 3203.
- Identifying and addressing COVID-19 hazards if they determine that COVID-19 remains a workplace risk.
Ongoing COVID-19 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
While prevention measures have ended, reporting and recordkeeping obligations (Title 8, Subsection 3205(j)) remain in place until February 3, 2026. Employers must:
- Track all COVID-19 cases with detailed records, including employee names, job locations, and positive test dates.
- Retain these records for two years beyond the required period.
- Provide COVID-19 case information to local health departments, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Cal/OSHA, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) when requested or required by law.
Even with the expiration of the emergency regulations, compliance with COVID-19 prevention standards continues through these reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Maintaining accurate documentation not only helps employers meet legal obligations but also supports the ongoing monitoring of workplace health trends. By adhering to these standards, employers can quickly identify potential outbreaks, implement corrective measures, and ensure a safer work environment for all employees.
For additional details, visit the Cal/OSHA Archived COVID-19 Guidance and Resources page.
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FAQs: Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Standards
What does the end of Cal/OSHA COVID-19 prevention standards mean for employers?
It means most pandemic-specific regulations are no longer in effect. However, employers must still comply with general safety laws and maintain an IIPP to protect employees.
Do employers still need to report COVID-19 cases under Cal/OSHA rules?
Yes. Even after the prevention standards ended, recordkeeping and reporting obligations remain active until February 3, 2026.
Are COVID-19 hazards still considered a workplace risk in California?
They can be. Employers must evaluate and address COVID-19 as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program if it poses a continued hazard.
Where can businesses find the latest Cal/OSHA COVID-19 prevention resources?
Employers can review official updates and archived guidance directly from Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidance and Resources page.
How should employers adapt their safety programs now that COVID-19 prevention standards have ended?
Even though the COVID-19 prevention standards have expired, employers should integrate ongoing hazard assessments and mitigation strategies into their general workplace safety programs to protect employees and remain compliant with Cal/OSHA regulations.