For the first time, the new National Emphasis Program (NEP) https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/heat-nep-factsheet-en.pdf creates a nationwide enforcement mechanism to proactively inspect workplaces for heat-related hazards (outdoors and/or indoors) in general industry, maritime, construction, or agricultural operations. OSHA plans to initiate programmed (pre-planned)...
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While many employers anticipated an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) regarding COVID-19 on March 15 per President Biden’s Executive Order, OSHA took an unusual step and launched a COVID-19 National Emphasis Program (NEP) https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/DIR_2021-01_CPL-03.pdf on March 12 before issuing the ETS....
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Even the best-intentioned employers find the constantly changing federal OSHA guidance on COVID-19 unnerving. For example, consider the decision whether to report an employee’s hospitalization or death due to COVID-19, which was addressed with different guidance in April, May, July,...
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It is a time like no other for insurance renewals. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic fallout have upended the decades-long certainty within the workers’ compensation market that let employers reap the benefits of a soft market. Steep declines...
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COVID-19 lawsuits, liability immunity, waivers, and refusal to return to work Lawsuits According to data collected by the Fisher Phillips LLC law firm, a total of 283 COVID-19-related lawsuits were filed in federal and state courts through June 30, with...
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COVID-19 has not changed an employer’s responsibilities nor the primary tenets of OSHA’s PPE Standard. Employers must begin by conducting a hazard assessment in accordance with the PPE standard (29 CFR 1910.132), to determine the PPE requirements for their unique...
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