Aug 06 2020

COVID-19Workers’ Comp  

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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Jul 09 2020

COVID-19Safety and Health  

WASHINGTON: Governor expands face covering & reporting rules

Governor Jay Inslee recently issued two proclamations (20-25.5 and 20-25.6), extending Safe Start until August 6, 2020, expanding face covering requirements, and requiring Washington employers to report confirmed or suspected COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases. Although the public has been required to wear face coverings in almost all situations since June 26,…

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Jun 04 2020

COVID-19DisabilitySafety and Health  

WASHINGTON: Rules change on reopening and face coverings

On May 31, 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 20-25.4, Safe Start – Stay Healthy, which moves the state forward in reopening recreational, social, and business activities. The proclamation transitions the state from the original Stay Home – Stay Healthy order to a county-by-county phased reopening plan. The plan isn’t entirely…

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May 14 2020

COVID-19Safety and Health  

Resources available to track phased opening of states

States are implementing reopening plans in the wake of COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions, some more quickly than others. Many are reopening in phases, but several states are allowing counties to apply for accelerated reopening, making it challenging for businesses to know what phase and/or guidelines apply. Below is a list of…

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May 14 2020

COVID-19Safety and Health  

WASHINGTON: New manufacturing requirements released

In a memo on May 12, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee announced a comprehensive list of Phase 2 – Manufacturing Facility COVID-19 Requirements for businesses located in counties where Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan is in effect. The requirements apply to all manufacturing in the state of Washington, with the exception…

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Apr 30 2020

COVID-19Safety and Health  

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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Mar 31 2020

COVID-19Leave Laws  

CARES Act provides historic relief to businesses and workers

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (H.R. 748) into law. This is the third federal relief package related to COVID-19, with $2.2 trillion directed to individuals, business, governments, and the public sector. Below are brief summaries of the provisions…

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Mar 27 2020

COVID-19  

WASHINGTON: Online form available to clarify essential business status

For Washington businesses still unclear about whether they’re essential and thus allowed to continue operating during Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order, the state has created a simple online form to request clarification or ask to be added to the list of essential businesses. The order, which closed non-essential businesses in…

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Mar 27 2020

COVID-19  

WASHINGTON: Home and commercial construction not “essential”

On March 25, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee released a memo clarifying which construction workers are included in the “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” list. Only those included on the list are allowed to travel to their essential businesses, according to the governor’s Stay Home—Stay Healthy Order, which seeks to slow the spread of COVID-19…

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Mar 24 2020

COVID-19Leave Laws  

WASHINGTON: Seattle expands Paid Sick and Safe Time

On March 16, 2020, the Seattle City Council passed an amendment to Seattle’s Paid Sick and Paid Safe Time (PSST) law which expands the available reasons for leave, inspired by caregiver shortages and workplace closures caused by COVID-19 (coronavirus). The amendment became effective immediately on March 16, 2020, with no expiration…

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