Vigilant Blog
News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp
Aug
06
2020
Consider implications of schools reopening
With fall just around the corner, and schools making last-minute decisions about how the coming school year will look, you should consider how to handle concerns from employees who may be juggling at-home childcare and school responsibilities with their work obligations. Some schools have announced they will operate entirely remotely…
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Aug
06
2020
WASHINGTON: Governor updates protections for high-risk workers
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has further extended employment protections for medically vulnerable workers for as long as the current state of emergency lasts due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). In addition, the new proclamation (20-46.2) and accompanying guidance memo clarify who is protected and change the circumstances under which employers may request…
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Aug
06
2020
WASHINGTON: L&I extends workers’ comp premium relief
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is extending its deadline for cash-strapped employers to pay workers’ compensation premiums during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. As we previously reported, L&I established an Employer Assistance Program (EAP) to assist financially distressed businesses with 90-day grace periods or payment plans for workers’ compensation premiums, free of…
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Aug
06
2020
Q&A: Untangle abusive employee conduct and protected activity
Question: One of our employees posted an abusive and profane message about their supervisor on social media, complaining to coworkers about pay and working conditions. Can we discipline this employee? Answer: Maybe, if you would discipline other employees for using such language at work. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects…
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Jul
23
2020
CDC updates COVID-19 symptoms and return to work guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to make significant changes in its recommendations regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) as new information becomes available. The list of possible COVID-19 symptoms has been updated to include congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. We previously reported on the agency’s expanded list…
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Jul
23
2020
DOL again updates FFCRA paid leave FAQs
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has updated its frequently asked questions on paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The DOL added questions #94 to 97. As we initially reported in March, the FFCRA applies to employers with fewer than 500 employees within the United States.…
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Jul
23
2020
WASHINGTON: L&I adopts new unified fall protection rules
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has issued new fall protection rules, which better align L&I’s rules with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and unify fall protection rules across all industries. Currently, Washington doesn’t have specific guidelines for the use of fall protection for general industry (which would…
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Jul
23
2020
WASHINGTON Q&A: Process wage garnishments as usual
Question: I just read that Governor Inslee extended the moratorium on garnishments in Washington. I thought you said the moratorium ended on May 27, 2020, for wage withholding. Which is right? Answer: As we previously reported, the governor’s moratorium on garnishment of wages for consumer debt did indeed end on May 27,…
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Jul
23
2020
OSHA: Report work-related COVID-19 inpatient hospitalizations
According to recently updated guidance from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must report (not just record) any worker’s inpatient hospitalization for care or treatment of a confirmed, work-related case of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Generally, federal regulations require employers to report inpatient hospitalizations for work-related illnesses within 24 hours of…
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Jul
23
2020
CALIFORNIA: More localities enact emergency paid sick leave
The cities of Sacramento and Santa Rosa, along with San Mateo County, have added to the growing list of local areas in California to offer supplemental emergency paid sick leave (EPSL). In addition to EPSL, the Sacramento ordinance adds employer safety practices and protocols that must also be implemented. Several…
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