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News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
Aug
19
2021
Be aware of vaccine rules in your area
As some jurisdictions roll out mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 (coronavirus) for some workers, it’s important to keep an eye on requirements in your local area. Here’s a summary of where things stand as of today: Federal requirements: On July 29, 2021, President Biden announced that federal agencies must require federal contractors who work on site at…
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Aug
19
2021
WASHINGTON: New rules for reporting COVID-19 outbreaks
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) released new emergency rules on employer reporting and notification requirements for infectious and contagious diseases during a public health emergency, including the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. These new rules were created to implement the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA), which took effect on…
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Aug
19
2021
WASHINGTON: Masks required indoors effective August 23, 2021
Governor Jay Inslee announced yesterday that all individuals, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks when in an indoor public space beginning August 23, 2021, with limited exceptions. The Washington Department of Health responded by posting Order 20-03.4 (Face Coverings – Statewide). Significant work-related exceptions to this general requirement to wear…
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Aug
19
2021
We’re Hiring: Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager
We are seeking an experienced, full-time Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager. This position is responsible for proactive advice and counsel related to management of claims for employers who are enrolled in our Washington Workers’ Compensation/Retro program. This position acts as an employer advocate with a goal of getting injured workers back to work and…
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Aug
19
2021
IRS again updates FAQs for paid leave tax credits under ARPA
On July 29, 2021, the IRS updated its FAQs that address tax credits available to eligible employers who voluntarily provide paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) between April 1, and September 30, 2021, pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). As we previously reported, ARPA…
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Aug
12
2021
OREGON: Mask mandate applies to all businesses August 13, 2021
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has released emergency temporary rules requiring masks to be worn indoors in nearly all business settings as of August 13, 2021, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The rules are in effect through February 8, 2022, unless rescinded sooner. The new rules define indoor…
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Aug
05
2021
WASHINGTON: New L&I wage and hour guidance for employers
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) adopted two administrative policies providing guidance to Washington employers on state wage and hour topics. These policies (organized in a question and answer format) provide explanations and detailed examples of compliance with the Washington Minimum Wage Act (WMWA), which is generally more favorable…
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Aug
05
2021
CALIFORNIA: Health care workers must be vaccinated or tested
On July 26, 2021, in light of an uptick in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases and hospitalizations, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced new measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable. Said to be “a first-in-the-nation standard,” the new measures require all state workers and workers in health care and…
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Aug
05
2021
OREGON: Sick time covers evacuation orders, bad air, and high heat
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) recently issued temporary rules expanding the reasons for Oregon paid sick leave to include time off related to emergency evacuation orders as well as unhealthy air quality or outdoor temperatures. The rules are effective from July 22, 2021, through January 17, 2022.…
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Aug
03
2021
OREGON: Wildfire smoke and more heat rules effective August 9, 2021
On August 2, 2021, Oregon OSHA issued two new temporary emergency regulations, one addressing outdoor workers’ exposure to wildfire smoke, and another addressing high heat in employer-provided housing. Both rules take effect on August 9, 2021, although employers have until August 16, 2021, to train outdoor workers on wildfire smoke hazards.…
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