Vigilant Blog
News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
Nov
19
2020
WASHINGTON: Governor tightens COVID-19 restrictions statewide
On November 15, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee tightened down COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions throughout the state by significantly limiting social gatherings, recreation, and certain indoor activities through December 14, 2020. These latest restrictions roll back some of the reopened activities previously allowed during the pandemic, but they don’t replace any of the…
Read More…
Nov
19
2020
Company pays $1.5 million for failing to enforce lockout procedures
The U.S. Department of Justice announced in a recent press release that an auto-parts manufacturer pled guilty to criminal charges stemming from an employee’s death after the government determined the company had lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures in place but supervisors continually failed to enforce them. The worker, only 20 years old, entered an…
Read More…
Nov
19
2020
OREGON: Model documents released for COVID-19 safety rule
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) recently released a model COVID-19 infection notification policy as well as an infection control plan. As part of the agency’s new COVID-19 workplace rule, on which we previously reported, all Oregon employers must establish a process to notify employees of potential workplace…
Read More…
Nov
19
2020
OREGON: Governor orders temporary “freeze” to control COVID-19
Governor Kate Brown has issued Executive Order 20-65, limiting gatherings, recreation, and certain indoor and outdoor activities through December 2, 2020, to control the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The latest restrictions don’t replace any existing industry-specific or workplace guidance, requirements, or restrictions, so long as they’re consistent with the Order. The Oregon…
Read More…
Nov
19
2020
CALIFORNIA: Safety board is considering COVID-19 standard
California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board met today to consider a proposed statewide emergency workplace safety regulation addressing COVID-19 (coronavirus). We’re awaiting word on whether the Board approved it. If it’s approved, the Board will submit the proposal to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), which will have ten calendar days to review…
Read More…
Nov
19
2020
Form I-9 remote inspection extended through December 31, 2020
The Department of Homeland Security has again extended its temporary relaxation of the standards for physically inspecting a new worker’s employment eligibility documents when completing the Form I-9. This is the sixth extension of the relaxed standard, which will now expire on December 31, 2020. As we originally reported, Homeland Security relaxed the requirement for employers operating…
Read More…
Nov
19
2020
Travel advisories issued in West Coast states
With the incidence of COVID-19 (coronavirus) increasing, the states of California, Oregon, and Washington have issued coordinated travel advisories encouraging people to stay home and avoid nonessential travel outside their region. The advisories further recommend that people entering the states (returning or arriving) from another state or country after non-essential…
Read More…
Nov
16
2020
Keep good company for large retro refunds
Receiving consistently large Retro refunds requires being in good company. As we all begin to accept that operating amid the COVID-19 pandemic is our reality for the foreseeable future, it’s time to evaluate some of the business decisions that we may have put off for steadier times. One of those may be…
Read More…
Nov
12
2020
OREGON: Oregon OSHA releases new COVID-19 workplace rule
On November 6, 2020, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) released its long-awaited temporary rule on “Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks.” The new rule applies to all employers in the state of Oregon, with additional requirements for certain employers depending on size, work performed, and industry. Under the rule, employers…
Read More…
Nov
12
2020
WASHINGTON: Agriculture exemption from overtime takes a hit
The Washington Supreme Court recently ruled the state’s agricultural exemption from overtime doesn’t apply to dairy workers, in a case with widespread implications for all agricultural employers. Under Washington’s Minimum Wage Requirements and Labor Standards Act, employees must generally be paid overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, unless a…
Read More…