California AB 685 — Employee Notification of COVID-19 Exposure

In this new and challenging time, the question of when and how to notify staff that they could have been exposed to COVID-19 is a question employers are encouraged to ask. California AB685 would simplify this question.

AB 685 is bill making its way through the California Legislature requiring employers to notify employees, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the State Department of Public Health of known exposures to COVID-19. The notification requirement also states that exposures which should have been reasonably known must also be disclosed. This bill would apply to both public and private employers.

Tour operators, adventure park managers and camp directors, could have a significant burden under this bill. However, the notification of staff that they could have been exposed seems like a reasonable step to take in assuring your program site does not become a virus vector.

Operators are encouraged to monitor this bill at http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml. Type AB 685 into the search bar to see the progress of the bill or to read the text of the legislation.