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May 18 2021
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Lower your work comp premium – do two things first

Question: “What action can we take to lower our upfront workers’ comp premium? Where do we even start?” Answer: From Vigilant’s VP of Workers’ Comp, Dan Beaty. I get asked this question daily. My reply? We’re here to help, and here’s a hint: high frequency/impact injuries, and a strategic use of kept-on-salary(KOS). To lower upfront…

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May 13 2021
COVID-19DisabilityHarassment & Discrimination

WASHINGTON: New law creates more pandemic worker protections

Several important developments have recently occurred in Washington state. We're addressing the following topics in this post – find the full articles below.   New law creates more pandemic worker protections. On May 11, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee signed ESSB 5115, the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA), creating labor standards that automatically take effect…

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May 06 2021
COVID-19OregonSafety and Health

OREGON: State reverses course on shortened quarantine periods

In updated Statewide Isolation and Quarantine Guidance issued April 24, 2021, the Oregon Health Authority is no longer allowing for a shortened quarantine period for people who have had a close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 (coronavirus) case, even if the individual tests negative during their quarantine period. Individuals who have had a close…

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May 06 2021
Safety and HealthWashington

WASHINGTON: New law requires safety training for temps

Washington governor Jay Inslee has signed a new bill that requires staffing agencies and host employers in manufacturing and construction to coordinate their safety training for temporary workers. The new law, SHB 1206, takes effect July 25, 2021, and applies to temporary workers assigned to industries in sectors 31 through 33 (manufacturing) and 23 (construction)…

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May 06 2021
COVID-19Safety and Health

OSHA says reactions to mandatory vaccines may be recordable

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently posted FAQs stating that if an employee has an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine that was mandated by their employer, the reaction is recordable if it’s a new case and meets the usual criteria for recordable injuries and illnesses. OSHA says if the employee…

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May 06 2021
COVID-19OregonSafety and Health

OREGON: Oregon OSHA issues COVID-19 rule for labor housing

On April 30, 2021, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) issued a “permanent” rule on COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing (OAR 437-004-1115). This is in addition to Oregon OSHA’s other new “permanent” rule for workplaces (as opposed to worker housing), Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks (OAR 437-001-0744), reported separately in today’s…

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May 06 2021
COVID-19OregonSafety and Health

OREGON: Oregon OSHA adopts permanent COVID-19 workplace rule

OREGON: Oregon OSHA adopts permanent COVID-19 workplace rule On May 4, 2021, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) released its long-awaited permanent rule, Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks (OAR 437-001-0744). The new rule replaces and is substantially consistent with the now expired temporary rule which we previously reported on. This new rule applies…

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May 06 2021
COVID-19CaliforniaLeave Laws

CALIFORNIA: FAQs regarding 2021 COVID-19 SPSL updated for clarity

The California Labor Commissioner’s office has updated its FAQs regarding 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) to clarify whether an employee’s leave request qualifies for SPSL. Specifically, the update offers clarification around leave for childcare purposes; whether a covered employee qualifies for leave because someone they live with is exposed, experiences symptoms, or is…

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May 04 2021
IdahoOregonSafety and Health

Off the OSHA radar, but on target

Four years with no OSHA recordable injuries. Five years with no OSHA recordable injuries. These are statements you don’t read often for fast-paced manufacturing production facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Why is this a rare thing and how did two Vigilant member companies do it? Alta Forest Products’ facilities in Morton, Washington, and Naples, Idaho,…

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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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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…

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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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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.

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