Cal/OSHA Issues Guidance On Protecting Workers From Monkeypox

On September 13, 2022, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) issued guidance regarding protection of workers from monkeypox (MPX) under the Aerosol Transmissible Disease (ATD) Standard, California Code of Regulations, Title 8 Section 5199. Monkeypox is a viral infection that can spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus. Cal/OSHA considers Monkeypox a new workplace hazard, so employers have a duty to protect their workers from the virus. Cal/OSHA's monkeypox guidance does not discuss employers that are not covered by Section 5199. However, all employers, including those not covered under the ADT Standard may be required to address monkeypox-related hazards as workplace safety protections under the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) required under Section 3203 and other Title 8 regulations.