Vigilant Blog
News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
Apr
30
2020
WASHINGTON: Some low-risk construction allowed to restart
On April 24, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee announced that non-essential, “low-risk” construction projects that were previously paused may resume operation if they follow 30 specific safety requirements to contain the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). As we previously reported, residential and commercial construction was deemed non-essential unless it was related to providing other…
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Apr
30
2020
WASHINGTON: L&I weighs in on garnishment moratorium
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)’s Wage and Hour team recently confirmed in an informal email that employers aren’t obligated to return garnished wages to employees when the withholding took place before the governor’s garnishment moratorium on April 14, 2020. L&I can’t say conclusively what you should do with that money, but suggested it may be most…
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Apr
30
2020
Podcast available on restarting businesses after COVID-19
Vigilant’s safety team has released a 12-minute podcast on “Returning to Work after COVID-19.” Companies that have temporarily closed or reduced operations during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic are opening back up. Employers need to know how best to navigate these re-openings, keeping in mind current requirements for ensuring workers’ safety. Our podcast covers the…
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Apr
23
2020
OSHA will exercise discretion in enforcement of COVID-19 safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has directed its compliance officers to consider the good faith efforts of employers who are unable to fully comply with federal safety requirements to conduct audits, reviews, training, or assessments due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The agency provides several examples. In situations where you…
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Apr
23
2020
OSHA issues COVID-19 safety alerts for specific industries
OSHA has been issuing safety alerts tailored to specific industries, to help employers protect workers from exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The tips in the alerts aren’t particularly earth-shaking but nonetheless may be useful to review to ensure you’ve at least covered the basics in your safety efforts. So far, the alerts cover…
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Apr
23
2020
CALIFORNIA: San Francisco requires face coverings for some workers
The City of San Francisco has issued a public health order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public, including employees performing work at essential businesses (as defined by the Shelter in Place Order issued on March 16, 2020). Essential businesses must require their employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers to…
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Apr
23
2020
WASHINGTON: L&I tackles COVID-19 safety for ag & food workers
Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) recently released new requirements and suggestions for agriculture and related industry employers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). L&I released a general fact sheet containing requirements and suggestions for all agriculture and related industries and another that’s specific to food processing and warehouse…
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Apr
23
2020
Homeland Security updates critical infrastructure guidance
On April 17, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security updated its guidance on Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19 (i.e., essential businesses). The department issued the first round of guidance on March 19, 2020, as an optional resource to help state and local governments identify workers essential to maintain public health…
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Apr
23
2020
DOL updates FFCRA paid leave FAQs
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has beefed up its frequently asked questions on paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The DOL added questions #80-88. As we previously reported, the FFCRA applies to employers with fewer than 500 employees. Several of the new FAQs address how to calculate the amount…
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Apr
23
2020
Homeland Security extends some employment authorizations
The Department of Homeland Security issued a news release to address immigration-related challenges related to the pandemic. As a result, employers may have some leeway when updating expiring Form I-9 documentation of employees who used an I-94 as proof of authorization to work. The DHS indicates if an individual files…
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