State’s COVID-19 emergency order ends, but some safety requirements remain

October 29, 2022

The state’s COVID-19 emergency orders end on Oct. 31, 2022. Despite this, COVID-19 remains a workplace hazard. Employers should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to an update from the state Department of Labor & Industries, the following general safety requirements and guidance remain:

• Every employer must assess their specific workplace for COVID-19 hazards and take steps to prevent employee exposure based on that assessment.
• Employers should keep workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 out of the workplace for at least five days per Washington State Department of Health guidance.

Complete Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) requirements and guidance are available online.