COVID-19 Safety Update - Dec. 30, 2020

Dear OCEA member,

Effective November 30, 2020, Cal/OSHA adopted COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) that temporarily amend certain sections of the Agency’s Regulations for a period of 180 days.

The ETS expand and clarify the obligations of virtually all California employers (including public employers) in connection with COVID-19. The ETS defines an “outbreak” in the workplace and, among other things, contain employer mandates regarding: Development of a COVID-19 prevention program; specific communications with workers and their union representatives; identification, evaluation, and correction of COVID-19 hazards; physical distancing, face coverings, and other COVID-19 controls; training; and other detailed actions required upon notice of a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace, including contact tracing and employer-provided testing.

We know that the best protection for workers is not a law, but a union of workers that demands compliance with both the law and the safety provisions of our MOUs. This protection is gained through workplace solidarity and strength. Since the implementation of the ETS, OCEA leaders and staff have been monitoring COVID-19 cases at each workplace and DEMANDING the County, Court and other employers comply with ETS mandates.

On Dec. 21, 2020, OCEA sent a letter to County of Orange Chief Human Resources Officer Tom Hatch. In this letter, we detailed exploding case counts and demanded the County provide OCEA with verifiable evidence of ETS compliance on an ongoing basis. On Dec. 23, 2020,  OCEA sent a letter to OC Superior Court Employee Relations Manager Heather Riel which highlighted similar exploding case counts in the Courts and a demand for ETS compliance. In addition to the foregoing, since the ETS were issued in November, OCEA has been in regular and frequent contact with County and Court executives and managers, both to ensure they understand and comply with their ETS obligations, and to report employer shortcomings and workplace safety concerns as they arise.

This month has reminded us of the importance of union. Despite directives from the state, safety in the workplace still requires committed action by the union and its members. There are still too many unsafe work locations throughout the County and Courts. If you see unsafe working conditions, notify your immediate supervisor, manager or Human Resources representative. You can also notify your OCEA Steward or staff representative if you feel unsafe or observe any unsafe conditions.

This pandemic will continue to create safety concerns for the foreseeable future. With your help, OCEA leadership and staff will continue to demand compliance with the ETS and safe working conditions at every worksite.

In Solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: December 30, 2020