Vigilant Blog
News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
May
13
2021
WASHINGTON: New law creates more pandemic worker protections
Several important developments have recently occurred in Washington state. We're addressing the following topics in this post - find the full articles below. New law creates more pandemic worker protections. On May 11, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee signed ESSB 5115, the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA), creating labor standards that automatically take…
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May
06
2021
WASHINGTON: New law requires safety training for temps
Washington governor Jay Inslee has signed a new bill that requires staffing agencies and host employers in manufacturing and construction to coordinate their safety training for temporary workers. The new law, SHB 1206, takes effect July 25, 2021, and applies to temporary workers assigned to industries in sectors 31 through…
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May
06
2021
OSHA says reactions to mandatory vaccines may be recordable
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently posted FAQs stating that if an employee has an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine that was mandated by their employer, the reaction is recordable if it’s a new case and meets the usual criteria for recordable injuries and illnesses. OSHA says…
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May
06
2021
OREGON: Oregon OSHA issues COVID-19 rule for labor housing
On April 30, 2021, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) issued a “permanent” rule on COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing (OAR 437-004-1115). This is in addition to Oregon OSHA’s other new “permanent” rule for workplaces (as opposed to worker housing), Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks (OAR 437-001-0744), reported separately in…
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May
06
2021
OREGON: Oregon OSHA adopts permanent COVID-19 workplace rule
OREGON: Oregon OSHA adopts permanent COVID-19 workplace rule On May 4, 2021, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) released its long-awaited permanent rule, Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks (OAR 437-001-0744). The new rule replaces and is substantially consistent with the now expired temporary rule which we previously reported…
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May
06
2021
OREGON: State reverses course on shortened quarantine periods
In updated Statewide Isolation and Quarantine Guidance issued April 24, 2021, the Oregon Health Authority is no longer allowing for a shortened quarantine period for people who have had a close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 (coronavirus) case, even if the individual tests negative during their quarantine period. Individuals…
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May
06
2021
CALIFORNIA: FAQs regarding 2021 COVID-19 SPSL updated for clarity
The California Labor Commissioner’s office has updated its FAQs regarding 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) to clarify whether an employee’s leave request qualifies for SPSL. Specifically, the update offers clarification around leave for childcare purposes; whether a covered employee qualifies for leave because someone they live with is exposed,…
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May
04
2021
Off the OSHA radar, but on target
Four years with no OSHA recordable injuries. Five years with no OSHA recordable injuries. These are statements you don’t read often for fast-paced manufacturing production facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Why is this a rare thing and how did two Vigilant member companies do it? Alta Forest Products’ facilities in Morton, Washington, and Naples,…
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Apr
15
2021
ARIZONA: New law shields some businesses from COVID-19 liability
On April 5, 2021, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed into law SB 1377, which protects covered individuals and businesses from liability for COVID-19 related injuries to customers, students, tenants, volunteers, guests, neighbors, or members of the public, if they acted in “good faith” to protect those people from the pandemic. SB 1377 aligns with the…
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Apr
15
2021
Q&A: Vaccinated employees must still wear masks at work
Question: Several employees have informed us that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Do they still have to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart at work? Answer: Yes, if any orders or regulations issued by local, state, or federal authorities still impose workplace restrictions. Vaccination greatly reduces the likelihood that…
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