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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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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The Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has temporarily updated its directive on N95 filtering facepieces and respirator/face covering selection during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. We previously reported that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) temporarily relaxed rules on respirator fit-testing, training, and other respiratory protection…
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On May 4, 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee extended the Stay Home — Stay Healthy order through May 31, 2020, and issued the state’s Safe Start plan that sets out the criteria for reopening Washington in phases so as to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 (coronavirus). Phase 1 of reopening began May…
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Washington’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) issued an updated directive to its safety compliance officers, effective April 27, 2020, which incorporates guidance on when it’s okay to allow essential workers to return after a potential exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus). This directive supersedes the April 7 version on which we previously…
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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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The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)’s Wage and Hour team recently confirmed in an informal email that employers aren’t obligated to return garnished wages to employees when the withholding took place before the governor’s garnishment moratorium on April 14, 2020. L&I can’t say conclusively what you should do with that money, but suggested it may be most…
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Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) recently released new requirements and suggestions for agriculture and related industry employers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). L&I released a general fact sheet containing requirements and suggestions for all agriculture and related industries and another that’s specific to food processing and warehouse…
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Question: Before Governor Inslee’s order temporarily halting garnishments for consumer debt took effect on April 14, 2020, we withheld wages and set the money aside to send to the creditor once the 60-day garnishment period ended. Should we refund that money to our employee? Or should we hold on to it and…
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Washington employers must temporarily stop withholding worker wages under writs of garnishment, according to a proclamation issued by Governor Jay Inslee to ease financial hardships for workers during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This includes writs you currently hold and any new writs you receive starting April 14 and continuing through May 14, 2020. The…
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