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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…

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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…

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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…

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Mar 04 2021
COVID-19Safety and Health

Lack of machine guards and lockout/tagout result in safety citations

Question: Are safety and health agencies still paying attention to “regular” pre-existing safety regulations, or are they mostly focusing on COVID-19 (coronavirus) protocols? Answer: Yes, federal OSHA and state safety and health agencies are continuing to address safety concerns and violations unrelated to COVID-19. Recently, federal OSHA came onsite to investigate a partial finger amputation…

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Feb 23 2021
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

From the CEO desk: creating a culture of safety

Washington Manufacturer: I am personally persuaded that there is no greater purpose in life than to love and serve others well. This is the reason why I find so much gratification leading our Vigilant team in our mission to help employers promote safe, fulfilling, legally compliant, and productive work environments, improving the lives of their…

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Feb 18 2021
COVID-19Safety and Health

CDC says fully vaccinated people don’t have to quarantine

In its updated guidance regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that fully vaccinated individuals who come into close contact with a suspected or confirmed positive case of COVID-19 don’t have to quarantine if they’re within three months of their last vaccine dose and they remain symptom-free after…

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Feb 04 2021
COVID-19DisabilityQ&A

Q&A: Plan ahead in encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations

Question: Some of our employees have expressed concern about the possibility of a mandatory vaccine policy. What could we do to incentivize our employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19? What legal issues should we worry about? Answer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a Vaccination Toolkit for Essential Workers, which includes…

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Feb 04 2021
COVID-19Safety and Health

Some states say fully vaccinated people don’t have to quarantine

Oregon and Idaho have announced that if at least 14 days have passed since a person fully completes their COVID-19 immunization (both doses of the vaccine), they don’t have to quarantine after a close contact exposure to a positive or presumed case of COVID-19. They are, however, still required to monitor themselves for 14 days….

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Jan 21 2021
COVID-19Safety and HealthWashington

WASHINGTON: COVID-19 temporary worker housing rules updated again

On January 8, 2021, Washington’s Departments of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Health (DOH) again extended and modified existing COVID-19 (coronavirus) safety rules for temporary worker housing (TWH) in the agriculture industry. As a reminder, the larger framework for agriculture COVID-19 safety compliance in Washington continues to be Proclamation 20-57.1, and the implementing requirements for worksites, which we reported…

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Jan 21 2021
COVID-19CaliforniaLeave Laws

CALIFORNIA: Cal/OSHA updates COVID-19 workplace safety FAQs

On January 8, 2021, Cal/OSHA significantly expanded the FAQs for California’s emergency temporary standard addressing COVID-19 workplace safety. As we previously reported, the standard took effect on November 30, 2020, and will remain in effect until October 2, 2021. Some of the key clarifications are: Enforcement: Until February 1, 2021, Cal/OSHA will cite noncomplying employers…

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Jan 07 2021
COVID-19Q&ASafety and Health

Q&A: Pandemic precautions affect winter driving

Question: Should we consider any special driving precautions for employees in winter during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic compared to a “normal” winter season? Answer: Yes, this is an entirely new frontier of change, challenges, and struggle for many of us, and preparing for winter driving conditions may require a little more creativity. First and foremost,…

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Jan 07 2021
COVID-19Safety and HealthWashington

WASHINGTON: State will transition to regional reopening approach

Governor Jay Inslee has announced that Washington will move from a county to a regional reopening approach during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, beginning on January 11, 2021. The “Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery” plan divides the state into eight geographic regions and initially provides for two levels of reopening: Phase 1 and Phase 2….

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