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Showing posts for: COVID-19

Aug 06 2020
COVID-19Leave Laws

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 when the school year begins….

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Aug 06 2020
COVID-19Employee BenefitsSafety and Health

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 medical verification from these workers….

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Aug 06 2020
COVID-19WashingtonWorkers’ 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 penalties…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Wage and HourWashington

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, 2020. This means…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Safety and Health

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 (1) the incident/exposure…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19CaliforniaLeave Laws

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 similar EPSL ordinances have been…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19CaliforniaSafety and Health

CALIFORNIA: Governor rolls back reopening

In response to the sharp rise in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases and hospitalizations, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a statewide closure of some indoor businesses and county-specific restrictions on others. Affected statewide industries include indoor operations of dine-in restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums, and cardrooms. Bars and brewpubs…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Safety and Health

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 of symptoms in…

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Jul 23 2020
COVID-19Leave Laws

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. These new FAQs address COVID-19…

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Jul 09 2020
COVID-19Safety and HealthWashington

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, the latest proclamation says that…

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Jul 09 2020
COVID-19Q&ASafety and Health

WASHINGTON Q&A: Face coverings required except for work alone

Question: We know that all employees in Washington must wear a cloth face covering except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site. What does it mean to be “working alone”? As long as employees stay at least six feet apart from each other, does that mean they’re “working alone” and…

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Jul 09 2020
COVID-19

DOL says child labor laws apply if schools are teaching remotely

According to a field assistance bulletin issued by the federal Department of Labor (DOL), child labor laws that restrict working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds during the school year still apply even if schools are physically closed due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), for any day or week in which the school requires remote or distance learning….

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