This edition of our newsletter features over 60 developments from around the world that international organisations will want to know about.
Archives for July 29, 2020
Virginia Issues Guidance in Support of Emergency Temporary Standard for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Executive Summary: As first discussed in our July 17, 2020 alert, the Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program and the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board have adopted an Emergency Temporary Standard for the COVID-19 Pandemic (ETS). The ETS, which went into effect on July 27, 2020, applies to all private, state, and local government employers and employees covered by VOSH jurisdiction.
Connecticut Creates Rebuttable Presumption that COVID Infection was Work-Related for First Months of the Pandemic
On July 24, 2020, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed his 63rd executive order in response to the public health emergency posed by COVID-19. Executive Order 7JJJ (“the Order”) creates a rebuttable presumption that certain workers who missed at least one (1) day of work between March 10, 2020 and May 20, 2020 and who were diagnosed with COVID-19 contracted the virus on the job.
Face Coverings Required in Indiana; Indianapolis Imposes Additional Restrictions
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has issued a statewide mask order effective July 27, 2020, through August 26, 2020. Under this Order, anyone at least eight years old must wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, commercial entities, or transportation services, and in outdoor public spaces where social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.
Adam Cantor and Kathryn Wheeler Discuss IRS Deadlines
Adam Cantor and Kathryn Wheeler discuss employer confusion over IRS benefits deadlines and related compliance points in “Reminder: July 31 Form 5500 Deadline Wasn’t Extended,” published by SHRM.
Courtney Malveaux Discusses Virginia COVID-19 Regulations
Courtney Malveaux discusses the implications of Virginia’s sweeping new regulatory changes designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in “Business leaders receive details on state’s new, temporary COVID-19 workplace standards,” published by The Winchester Star.
Transferring Employee Data after EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Invalidated
Businesses are now prohibited from transferring employee personal data from the European Economic Area (EEA) to the U.S. under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield program. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) declared the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield invalid in Data Protection Commissioner v. Facebook Ireland and Schrems (C-311/18) (Schrems
20 Tips for U.S. Virgin Islands Employers in 2020: Addressing COVID-19 Concerns When Employees Return From Vacation
Conducting business in the U.S. Virgin Islands poses unique challenges not often encountered in the states, but also unique opportunities. This 20-part series offers tips for doing business in the U.S. Virgin Islands, covering a broad array of topics affecting employers. Part eight of this series addresses COVID-19 concerns that
COVID-19 Travel Order Takes Effect August 1, 2020
On July 24, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued COVID-19 Order No. 45, an “Order Instituting a Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine Requirement for Travelers Arriving in Massachusetts,” which takes effect August 1. Please click here for a copy of the Order. Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued related guidance, which is available by clicking here.
House Members Promoting Legislation to Compel MSHA to Issue Emergency Temporary Standard for Pandemic Safety
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) has declined to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) to address pandemic safety for miners. MSHA determined that issuance of an ETS was unnecessary for COVID-19 because MSHA’s existing health and safety standards allow MSHA to require mine operators to take action to
Vaccination requirements could pit safety concerns vs. ADA, Title VII
Dennis Brown views a coronavirus vaccine as a game changer that will raise issues.
HR Exchange
Georgia Department of Labor Revises Employers’ Obligations for Filing Partial Unemployment Claims
On July 17, 2020, the Georgia Department of Labor issued updated emergency Rules concerning unemployment benefits in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The new Rules went into effect on July 19 and continue through November 16, 2020, or until the Department proposes and enacts subsequent rules or guidance.
OSHA’s new COVID-19 investigations, silica guidance
Brad Hammock describes what contractors can expect from OSHA regarding COVID-19 and other issues.
Construction Dive
EEOC Compliance and the Covid-19 Pandemic
Barry Harstein and Therese Waymel review actions normally not permitted for employers. (Pages 38-39.)
Today’s General Counsel