Archive for the ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19)’ Category

On October 16th, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a total in proposed penalties for coronavirus violations. Since the start of the pandemic through October 8th, 2020, the agency has cited 85 establishments for related violations. These proposed penalties total $1,222,156. Overview of Violations OSHA inspections have resulted in the agency citing […]

Under new Small Business Administration (SBA) guidance, certain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers might face new requirements. The SBA Procedural Notice (Notice) provides information concerning changes of ownership transactions for entities that received PPP funding. Notably, the Notice addresses a change in ownership interest of the PPP borrower (borrower) itself. It does not specifically address […]

On September 30th, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the publication of additional COVID-19-related frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs). The new FAQs discuss the need to report employees’ in-patient hospitalizations and fatalities resulting from work-related cases of the coronavirus. As reported in June, OSHA has been […]

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance to keep workers safe. On September 22nd, 2020, the CDC released an update to previous guidance on reopening closed buildings. Overview of the Update As the CDC explains, the shutdown of a building can create hazards for returning occupants. […]

In response to the continuing global coronavirus pandemic, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Council Peter Robb released guidance on the NLRB’s current stance on labor law violations. Issued on September 18th, 2020, General Council Memo 20-14 summarizes the types of COVID-related complaints that the agency has pursued since March 2020. In the vast majority […]

Since August, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed many pieces of legislation into law on varied topics. (As reported in this blog, one law related to state paid sick leave requirements, while another defined worker classification determinations.) On September 17th, 2020, Governor Newsom continued this trend of signing new employment law legislation. These specific bills, […]

On September 11th, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) issued revisions to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). These updates clarify workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under the FFCRA’s paid leave provisions. The revisions are in response to the August 3rd, 2020, U.S. District Court for the Southern […]

On April 1st, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) went into effect nationwide. Under that law, businesses with less than 500 employers provide workers with up to two weeks of paid sick leave. Employers also need to provide additional emergency family and medical leave. This leave, however, must be related to the COVID-19 […]

In July 2020, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited a workplace for failing to protect employees from the coronavirus. This was the first coronavirus-related fine levied by OSHA. According to the agency, the healthcare company was in violation of two respiratory protection standards: failing to develop a comprehensive written respiratory protection program; […]

In March 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released guidance addressing various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning COVID-19 issues. Since the original release, the FAQs have been updated on a near-monthly basis with new additions. Overall, the guidance has focused on disability-related inquiries, confidentiality, hiring, and reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act […]