Home » Blog » COVID-19 » Page 10

Vigilant Blog

News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp

Showing posts for: COVID-19

Apr 15 2021
ArizonaCOVID-19Wage and Hour

ARIZONA: New law shields some businesses from COVID-19 liability

On April 5, 2021, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed into law SB 1377, which protects covered individuals and businesses from liability for COVID-19 related injuries to customers, students, tenants, volunteers, guests, neighbors, or members of the public, if they acted in “good faith” to protect those people from the pandemic. SB 1377 aligns with the governor’s…

Read More
Apr 15 2021
COVID-19Safety and Health

Q&A: Vaccinated employees must still wear masks at work

Question: Several employees have informed us that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Do they still have to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart at work? Answer: Yes, if any orders or regulations issued by local, state, or federal authorities still impose workplace restrictions. Vaccination greatly reduces the likelihood that an individual will get…

Read More
Apr 15 2021
COVID-19Leave Laws

Q&A: FFCRA includes time off for vaccine side effects

Question: One of our employees is experiencing side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. We have fewer than 500 employees and we’re pursuing the voluntary tax credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Is this employee eligible for paid leave under FFCRA for the time she can’t work? Answer: Yes, as of April…

Read More
Apr 15 2021
COVID-19DisabilityHarassment & Discrimination

Q&A: Voluntary vaccine incentive programs may cause discrimination

Question: We’re offering workers a bonus if they voluntarily get a COVID-19 vaccination, but some workers say they don’t want to get it because of religious beliefs or disabilities. If we don’t pay those workers the bonus, are we liable for discrimination? Answer: Yes, but by adjusting your incentive plan, you can encourage voluntary vaccination…

Read More
Apr 15 2021
COVID-19CaliforniaDisability

CALIFORNIA: CCPA privacy notice expands to include vaccine records

We recently expanded our model data privacy notice under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) of 2018 to include vaccination records and disclosures to third parties who have a business need to know the information. See our newly revised Model Form, Notice of Data Privacy for Employees and Applicants, for example language. As we previously…

Read More
Mar 22 2021
COVID-19CaliforniaLeave Laws

CALIFORNIA: COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave expands

On March 19, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law that requires employers with 26 or more employees to provide up to 80 hours of supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) if a California employee is unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law (SB…

Read More
Mar 18 2021
COVID-19DisabilityEmployee Benefits

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 impacts benefits, leaves, and more

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the latest COVID-19 relief bill, offers a 100 percent COBRA subsidy and expands eligibility for paid leave tax credits, among other provisions. The bill was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021. COBRA subsidy: Employees who lose employer-sponsored group health insurance coverage due to involuntary termination…

Read More
Mar 18 2021
COVID-19CaliforniaDisability

CALIFORNIA: DFEH addresses mandatory COVID-19 vaccination

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) released updated employment guidance related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) on March 4, 2021, including mandatory vaccination policies. DFEH Employment Information on COVID-19 replaces previous guidance issued March 20, 2020 and July 24, 2020. The DFEH says you may implement mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies requiring employees to receive…

Read More
Mar 18 2021
COVID-19Employee Benefits

EBSA continues relief for employee benefit plans due to COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has issued EBSA Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01, which provides guidance on continuation of relief for employee benefit plans and plan participants and beneficiaries due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. This “outbreak period,” which began on March 1, 2020, will end 60 days after the national…

Read More
Mar 04 2021
COVID-19Q&A

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 least some…

Read More
Mar 04 2021
COVID-19MontanaSafety and Health

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 long as the organization has…

Read More
Mar 04 2021
COVID-19CaliforniaLeave Laws

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 City of Los Angeles…

Read More

Is My Company Eligible?

If you are a manufacturing or agriculture employer in Washington and committed to keeping your employees safe and working, you may be eligible for Vigilant's workers' compensation Retro or claims management programs. To see if you qualify fill out our release form now, or contact us.

Don’t Navigate Employment Issues On Your Own

Learn how Vigilant membership can help with your complex employment situations.
Scroll to Top