More married couples than ever before are using postnuptial agreements to clarify and resolve financial issues. What if…? The COVID-19 pandemic stirred up a host of issues for everyone. In some marriages, as couples spent more time together and had to navigate all sorts of new restrictions, this period magnified relationship dynamics and brought festering […]
As a new calendar year approaches, there are several important items on the Department of Labor’s “to-do” list — last updated in the Spring 2022 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions — with action deadlines fast approaching. There are two regulations where we anticipate final action very soon. Hazard Communications. Publication of the final […]
Are you prepared for an OSHA inspection? The chances of a surprise visit are greater than ever. With an increased 2023 budget for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — and the agency’s frequently stated commitment to invigorate enforcement efforts — employers in many business sectors would be wise to prepare for a visit […]
Despite the fact that new COVID-19 cases are down, that the recent COVID-19 variants are mild and masking mandates have been lifted in most places, OSHA recently announced a focused COVID-19 enforcement initiative aimed at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. The focus will be on facilities that treat COVID-19 patients — particularly those previously cited. […]
In response to the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant currently spreading in communities throughout the United States, OSHA has recently published updated COVID guidance for employers, which, not unexpectedly, answers some questions while raising others. The update is intended to bring the agency’s guidance in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations published […]
Last March, OSHA created a National Emphasis Program (NEP) for COVID-19. They just changed it significantly. On July 7, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a revision to the COVID NEP [DIR 2021-03 (CPL 03)] — along with an Interim Enforcement Response Plan (IERP), which, among other things, has removed a significant number […]
OSHA has issued a healthcare emergency standard. This emergency COVID-19 rule is for healthcare only — everyone else gets recommendations. Long-anticipated President Biden issued an executive order on his second day in office, directing OSHA to develop updated guidance for employers and consider the viability of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) — and get back […]
Restaurants are facing a range of challenges in the months ahead — and one of them could be a surprise visit from OSHA. Hard times The pandemic has been devastating for the restaurant industry as a whole. According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 110,000 restaurants and bars closed — temporarily or permanently — […]
If you mandate a COVID-19 vaccination for employees, you’ll have to record adverse reactions as work-related. What’s your policy? On April 20, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) published three new FAQs under the subheading “Vaccine Related.” This additional guidance is for employers who recommend or require their employees to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The […]
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for COVID-19 has arrived. And, if you’re on OSHA’s target lists, it’s wise to prepare for a visit in the months ahead. Not an Emergency Temporary Standard… yet In late January, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was charged by the Biden Administration to develop an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) […]