Vigilant Blog
News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
Mar
04
2021
Q&A: Out-of-state remote work raises compliance issues
Question: Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many of our workers are working remotely, and some are working out of state. Do we have to comply with laws in the states where they’re located? Answer: It depends on the state where the remote worker is performing work. Generally, workers are governed by at…
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Mar
04
2021
Q&A: Exceeding intermittent FMLA cert isn’t unexcused absence
Question: One of our employees is medically certified for intermittent FMLA leave due to anxiety, which the health care provider said could happen once or twice a month and last for up to two days. The employee normally works five days a week and recently took an entire week off…
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Mar
04
2021
MONTANA: Legal liability limited for businesses re: COVID-19
On February 10, 2021, the recently elected Governor of Montana, Greg Gianforte, signed Senate Bill 65, which helps limit lawsuits associated with COVID-19 (coronavirus) against individuals, property owners, product manufacturers, and businesses. For businesses, the law essentially minimizes the risk of lawsuits for harm or damages associated with COVID-19, as…
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Mar
04
2021
CALIFORNIA: More localities extend COVID-19 paid sick leave
The following California cities and counties can now be added to the list of those that have extended and/or revised their COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) ordinances: Los Angeles (city): The City of Los Angeles supplemental paid sick leave ordinance applies to businesses with 500 or more employees within the…
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Mar
04
2021
CALIFORNIA: State launches COVID-19 employer portal
The California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) has launched a new portal to serve as a “one-stop hub for California employers to quickly find up-to-date state and local county COVID-19 guidance by industry.” The new site uses guidance already available from state and local sources, including information about benefits, paid sick leave,…
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Mar
04
2021
Lack of machine guards and lockout/tagout result in safety citations
Question: Are safety and health agencies still paying attention to “regular” pre-existing safety regulations, or are they mostly focusing on COVID-19 (coronavirus) protocols? Answer: Yes, federal OSHA and state safety and health agencies are continuing to address safety concerns and violations unrelated to COVID-19. Recently, federal OSHA came onsite to investigate a partial…
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Feb
23
2021
From the CEO desk: creating a culture of safety
Washington Manufacturer: I am personally persuaded that there is no greater purpose in life than to love and serve others well. This is the reason why I find so much gratification leading our Vigilant team in our mission to help employers promote safe, fulfilling, legally compliant, and productive work environments, improving…
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Feb
18
2021
CDC says fully vaccinated people don’t have to quarantine
In its updated guidance regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that fully vaccinated individuals who come into close contact with a suspected or confirmed positive case of COVID-19 don’t have to quarantine if they’re within three months of their last vaccine dose and they…
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Feb
18
2021
Google pays $3.8 million after OFCCP audit
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) recently announced that Google LLC has agreed to pay over $3.8 million to resolve allegations of discrimination in pay and hiring, which came to light in a routine affirmative action audit of its facilities in California and Washington. The company, which is…
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Feb
18
2021
WASHINGTON: Unemployment benefits expand for high-risk workers
On February 8, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee signed SSB 5061, which expands Washington’s unemployment insurance benefits to high-risk individuals and members of their households, who voluntarily quit their jobs during a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) can begin providing benefits to…
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