On May 19, 2021, on the eve of a vote by the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to adopt proposed substantial changes to the existing Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), Deputy Chief of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (commonly known as “Cal/OSHA”) Eric Berg asked that
Archives for May 20, 2021
Santa Clara County’s New COVID-19 Rules: Employers Must Obtain Vaccination Status, Report Positive Test Results, and Enforce Mask Use
On May 18, 2021, Santa Clara County, California, issued a health order that both relieves employers of some earlier COVID-19–related requirements and imposes new obligations on employers, particularly with respect to employees’ vaccination status. Santa Clara County also issued the “Mandatory Directive on Use of Face Coverings” and the “Mandatory
Agencies Issue FAQs on Required Comparative Analysis of Nonquantitative Treatment Limitations
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2021 had far-reaching effects on employee benefit plans. One of the more onerous changes introduced by the CAA relates to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). MHPAEA requires that group health plans offering mental health and substance use disorder benefits
Illinois Adds Vaccine Exception to Mask and Social Distancing Rules
On May 13, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance advising that fully-vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physical distance in any setting, except where required by law, a local business, […]
Unanswered Questions About Paid COVID-19 Leave and Employer Tax Credits
Jeff Nowak answers employers questions on paid FMLA versus classic FMLA.
SHRM Online
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California Employers Must Follow Strict Rules on Masks in Workplaces
Melissa Peters explains how to keep a safe workplace environment amid the pandemic.
SHRM Online
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Telework threatens a wave of lawsuits
'Persuader rule' would destroy attorney-client privilege and duty of confidentiality
Michael Lotito explains how the proposed PRO Act would significantly undermine client confidentiality.
Daily Journal
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6 Ways To Improve Employers' Anti-Harassment Training
Helene Wasserman provides insight on how bystander training can help prevent harassment in the workplace.
Law360 Employment Authority
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Cal/OSHA Standards Board Delays Vote on Revised COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards
On May 20th, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board was set to vote on revisions to COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (“ETS”).
The evening before the vote the Deputy Chief for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (“Division”) submitted a request that the Standards Board not to vote on proposed revisions and
New York Adopts CDC Guidance For Fully Vaccinated Individuals, But Questions Remain
Effective May 19, 2021, New York State has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s May 13 “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People” for most commercial operations and public settings.
The New Mask Guidance
One of our favorite clients (ok, you are ALL our favorites) emailed me recently about the CDC’s new mask guidance. She asked a very practical question: “Do I follow the CDC guidance, or California’s guidance? And why the %$^* does everything keep changing! I have a headache.”
Amazon Sued by Five Women Alleging Bias, Retaliation
Amazon.com Inc. was hit Wednesday with lawsuits from five women alleging harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
Legislation banning hair bias gains momentum in more states as schools and sports leagues face backlash for policies
Four-year-old Gus Hawkins IV, affectionately known as “Jett,” was thrilled to go to school and show off his new hairstyle when his mom Ida Nelson agreed that he could wear braids.
What Bosses Really Think of Remote Workers
People who work from home get fewer raises and promotions. But there might be a way to avoid the remote-work penalty.
Social Profiles