Vigilant Blog
News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
Jul
23
2020
CDC updates COVID-19 symptoms and return to work guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to make significant changes in its recommendations regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) as new information becomes available. The list of possible COVID-19 symptoms has been updated to include congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. We previously reported on the agency’s expanded list…
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Jul
23
2020
DOL again updates FFCRA paid leave FAQs
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has updated its frequently asked questions on paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The DOL added questions #94 to 97. As we initially reported in March, the FFCRA applies to employers with fewer than 500 employees within the United States.…
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Jul
23
2020
WASHINGTON: L&I adopts new unified fall protection rules
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has issued new fall protection rules, which better align L&I’s rules with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and unify fall protection rules across all industries. Currently, Washington doesn’t have specific guidelines for the use of fall protection for general industry (which would…
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Jul
23
2020
WASHINGTON Q&A: Process wage garnishments as usual
Question: I just read that Governor Inslee extended the moratorium on garnishments in Washington. I thought you said the moratorium ended on May 27, 2020, for wage withholding. Which is right? Answer: As we previously reported, the governor’s moratorium on garnishment of wages for consumer debt did indeed end on May 27,…
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Jul
23
2020
OSHA: Report work-related COVID-19 inpatient hospitalizations
According to recently updated guidance from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must report (not just record) any worker’s inpatient hospitalization for care or treatment of a confirmed, work-related case of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Generally, federal regulations require employers to report inpatient hospitalizations for work-related illnesses within 24 hours of…
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Jul
23
2020
CALIFORNIA: More localities enact emergency paid sick leave
The cities of Sacramento and Santa Rosa, along with San Mateo County, have added to the growing list of local areas in California to offer supplemental emergency paid sick leave (EPSL). In addition to EPSL, the Sacramento ordinance adds employer safety practices and protocols that must also be implemented. Several…
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Jul
23
2020
CALIFORNIA: Governor rolls back reopening
In response to the sharp rise in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases and hospitalizations, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a statewide closure of some indoor businesses and county-specific restrictions on others. Affected statewide industries include indoor operations of dine-in restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums,…
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Jul
09
2020
WASHINGTON: Governor expands face covering & reporting rules
Governor Jay Inslee recently issued two proclamations (20-25.5 and 20-25.6), extending Safe Start until August 6, 2020, expanding face covering requirements, and requiring Washington employers to report confirmed or suspected COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases. Although the public has been required to wear face coverings in almost all situations since June 26,…
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Jul
09
2020
WASHINGTON Q&A: Face coverings required except for work alone
Question: We know that all employees in Washington must wear a cloth face covering except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site. What does it mean to be “working alone”? As long as employees stay at least six feet apart from each other, does that mean they’re…
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Jul
09
2020
DOL says child labor laws apply if schools are teaching remotely
According to a field assistance bulletin issued by the federal Department of Labor (DOL), child labor laws that restrict working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds during the school year still apply even if schools are physically closed due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), for any day or week in which the school…
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