On July 15, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a new interpretation of the hospitalization reporting requirement of 29 C.F.R. § 1904.39(b)(6), one that states that employers “must report the hospitalization within 24 hours of knowing both that the employee has been hospitalized and
Archives for July 24, 2020
Nevada Employers –Beware: Fraudulent Unemployment Claims Are on the Rise
An increase in the number of scams involving false unemployment benefits claims are emerging in Nevada and across the country. Third parties are filing claims for unemployment insurance benefits using the names and personal information of employees who have not lost their jobs. They are often using accurate personal information,
Connecticut’s Mandatory Self-Quarantine Executive Order: 5 Things Employers Need to Know
On July 21, 2020, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7III, which made mandatory a previous advisory self-quarantine recommendation for individuals—including employees—traveling from states with high COVID-19 infection rates. While an exemption for essential travelers still applies, there were a number of changes
Missouri Tightens the Leash on Fake Fidos
On July 14, 2020, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill (SB) 644, increasing the potential penalties imposed on Missourians and visitors who attempt to pass off their pets as bona fide service dogs. While Missouri law previously made it a crime to impersonate an individual with a disability, now
Mine Safety and Health Administration tells Federal Court that it is Issuing Citations for COVID-19 Health and Safety Violations
Co-Authored by Brian Lundgren
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the battle over when or if employers should be liable for personal injuries arising from coronavirus exposure allegedly caused during employment lurks on the horizon.
The United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit recently rejected a union’s request for
Littler Global Guide – Puerto Rico – Q2 2020
Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.
Don’t Miss Out: Deadlines are Upon Us
Deadlines are a large part of employee benefit plan administration. The past 12 – 18 months have contributed to potential confusion about standard deadlines and added new deadlines plan administrators will not want to overlook. During this period, the IRS created a one-time window deadline, published extensions for some plans’
Colorado Enacts Public Health Emergency Whistleblower (PHEW) Law Protecting COVID-19 Workplace COPs
At a time when employers are struggling to stay current with ever-changing COVID-19 laws and public health orders, Colorado has enacted a new Public Health Emergency Whistleblower (PHEW) law on the heels of its sweeping new paid sick leave law under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Broadly
Massachusetts Issues Stronger Travel Restrictions
Massachusetts has issued strict new travel restrictions, including quarantine requirements, unless the person is coming from a “lower-risk state,” has proof of a negative COVID-19 test, or meets certain narrow exemptions.
In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, Massachusetts had initially issued “instructions” asking visitors to the Commonwealth from out-of-state
Philadelphia Enacts Anti-Retaliation Ordinance for COVID-19 Workplace Complaints
On June 26, 2020, Philadelphia became the first city in the United States to enact legislation specifically protecting workers who make complaints about workplace safety due to COVID-19.
Beltway Buzz, July 24, 2020
The Beltway Buzz is a weekly update summarizing labor and employment news from inside the Beltway and clarifying how what’s happening in Washington, D.C. could impact your business.
U.S. Senate to Vote on New NLRB Member
The Senate plans to vote during the last week in July on the nomination of Lauren McFerran to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), according to Employment Law360.
Currently, the five-member NLRB has two vacancies. McFerran, a Democrat, served on the NLRB from December 17, 2014, to December 16, 2019.
New Pennsylvania COVID-19 Grant Program Helps Employers Provide Hazard Pay to Employees in Life-Sustaining Occupations
On July 16, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced the COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program—a $50 million grant aimed to help employers provide hazard pay to “front-line” employees working in sectors that are vital to the state during the pandemic. Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
California Legislature Proposes Bill Mirroring Executive Order Regarding Food Sector Supplemental Paid Sick Leave
On April 16, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-51-20, (“Executive Order”) which provides COVID-19 related paid sick leave for “food sector workers” who work for larger employers in the state. The California legislature is now considering codifying those leave requirements with Senate Bill 729.
Who is a
Greater Enforcement Coming? OSHA Issues Citations for Respirator Program Violations after Employees Were Hospitalized with COVID-19
In a new effort to use existing regulations to respond to the ongoing public health emergency, OSHA cited an Ohio healthcare company for alleged serious violations of OSHA’s respirator regulations. OSHA launched an investigation at three of the employer’s healthcare facilities after seven employees were hospitalized with COVID-19.
Even though