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Nov 19 2020
COVID-19CaliforniaOregon

Travel advisories issued in West Coast states

With the incidence of COVID-19 (coronavirus) increasing, the states of California, Oregon, and Washington have issued coordinated travel advisories encouraging people to stay home and avoid nonessential travel outside their region. The advisories further recommend that people entering the states (returning or arriving) from another state or country after non-essential travel voluntarily self-quarantine for 14…

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Nov 19 2020
COVID-19Safety and HealthWashington

WASHINGTON: Governor tightens COVID-19 restrictions statewide

On November 15, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee tightened down COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions throughout the state by significantly limiting social gatherings, recreation, and certain indoor activities through December 14, 2020. These latest restrictions roll back some of the reopened activities previously allowed during the pandemic, but they don’t replace any of the existing industry-specific or workplace…

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Nov 19 2020
Safety and Health

Company pays $1.5 million for failing to enforce lockout procedures

The U.S. Department of Justice announced in a recent press release that an auto-parts manufacturer pled guilty to criminal charges stemming from an employee’s death after the government determined the company had lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures in place but supervisors continually failed to enforce them. The worker, only 20 years old, entered an enclosure to troubleshoot…

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Nov 19 2020
COVID-19OregonSafety and Health

OREGON: Model documents released for COVID-19 safety rule

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) recently released a model COVID-19 infection notification policy as well as an infection control plan. As part of the agency’s new COVID-19 workplace rule, on which we previously reported, all Oregon employers must establish a process to notify employees of potential workplace exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus)….

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Nov 19 2020
COVID-19OregonSafety and Health

OREGON: Governor orders temporary “freeze” to control COVID-19

Governor Kate Brown has issued Executive Order 20-65, limiting gatherings, recreation, and certain indoor and outdoor activities through December 2, 2020, to control the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The latest restrictions don’t replace any existing industry-specific or workplace guidance, requirements, or restrictions, so long as they’re consistent with the Order. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA)…

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Nov 19 2020
COVID-19CaliforniaSafety and Health

CALIFORNIA: Safety board is considering COVID-19 standard

California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board met today to consider a proposed statewide emergency workplace safety regulation addressing COVID-19 (coronavirus). We’re awaiting word on whether the Board approved it. If it’s approved, the Board will submit the proposal to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), which will have ten calendar days to review it….

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Nov 19 2020
COVID-19Hiring

Form I-9 remote inspection extended through December 31, 2020

The Department of Homeland Security has again extended its temporary relaxation of the standards for physically inspecting a new worker’s employment eligibility documents when completing the Form I-9. This is the sixth extension of the relaxed standard, which will now expire on December 31, 2020. As we originally reported, Homeland Security relaxed the requirement for employers operating completely remotely…

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Nov 19 2020
Affirmative ActionHarassment & Discrimination

OFCCP busier than ever as 2020 draws to a close

Federal contractors, take note: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) isn't slowing down in publishing new regulatory and enforcement initiatives, in addition to its ongoing affirmative action enforcement work. Recent agency actions include: Publishing a final regulation capturing the process for resolving allegations of discrimination in an affirmative action audit. The agency will…

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Nov 12 2020
Labor RelationsSafety and HealthWage and Hour

WASHINGTON: Agriculture exemption from overtime takes a hit

The Washington Supreme Court recently ruled the state’s agricultural exemption from overtime doesn’t apply to dairy workers, in a case with widespread implications for all agricultural employers. Under Washington’s Minimum Wage Requirements and Labor Standards Act, employees must generally be paid overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, unless a specific exemption…

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Nov 12 2020
COVID-19OregonSafety and Health

OREGON: Oregon OSHA releases new COVID-19 workplace rule

On November 6, 2020, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) released its long-awaited temporary rule on “Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks.” The new rule applies to all employers in the state of Oregon, with additional requirements for certain employers depending on size, work performed, and industry. Under the rule, employers must develop and…

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Nov 10 2020
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

The Case for Kept on Salary: a Strategic Tool not a Mandate

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are all realizing that business decisions aimed at the future cannot wait for the pandemic to be over. We are eager to shift from surviving the current climate, to thriving into the future. It is with this spirit that we have resumed our e-mail series focused on helping companies…

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Nov 05 2020
COVID-19Leave LawsSafety and Health

CDC modifies definition of “close contact” for exposure to COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently changed its definition of “close contact” to determine potential exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus). “Close contact” is now defined as a combined total of 15 minutes within a 24-hour period within six feet of someone infected with the virus. Previously, close contact was defined as a continuous…

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