Vigilant Blog
News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Nov
19
2020
OFCCP busier than ever as 2020 draws to a close
Federal contractors, take note: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) isn't slowing down in publishing new regulatory and enforcement initiatives, in addition to its ongoing affirmative action enforcement work. Recent agency actions include: Publishing a final regulation capturing the process for resolving allegations of discrimination in an affirmative action audit.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Nov
10
2020
The Case for Kept on Salary: a Strategic Tool not a Mandate
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are all realizing that business decisions aimed at the future cannot wait for the pandemic to be over. We are eager to shift from surviving the current climate, to thriving into the future. It is with this spirit that we have resumed our e-mail…
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Nov
05
2020
CDC modifies definition of “close contact” for exposure to COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently changed its definition of “close contact” to determine potential exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus). “Close contact” is now defined as a combined total of 15 minutes within a 24-hour period within six feet of someone infected with the virus. Previously, close contact was defined as a…
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