On July 24, 2020, the State of California released a “COVID-19 Employer Playbook” to guide employers in planning and preparing for the safe reopening of their businesses. It combines guidance from various California agencies to ensure that employers have the tools they need to plan for a safe and clean workplace. Notably, the
workplace safety
Operating Your Business in San Francisco During the Coronavirus Pandemic
While many counties around California moved into accelerated reopening, San Francisco County set its own pace. Though San Francisco has paused some reopening for now, as COVID-19 infection rates change, additional businesses will eventually be permitted to reopen.
San Francisco created detailed requirements for businesses, whether essential or otherwise, to follow during the…
New California Workplace Safety Standards for Nighttime Agricultural Workers
California has adopted the first nighttime work safety standards in the nation which apply to agricultural workers who harvest, operate vehicles, and other tasks between sunset and sunrise.
The new safety standards are being implemented to address potential workplace hazards caused by poor visibility and require employers to, at a minimum, evaluate each outdoor worksite…
California Department of Public Health Provides Guidance for Employers Responding to COVID-19 Outbreaks
As businesses reopen, employers will almost certainly be faced with the potential of a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace. In addition to the industry-specific guidance for reopening that the State of California has issued, the California Department of Public Health (the Department) recently issued guidance for employers responding to a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace.…
What California Employers Should Know About Face Coverings
On June 18th the California Department of Public Health issued guidance broadly mandating that individuals in California wear face coverings in most circumstances. This new state guidance follows face-covering mandates previously issued by many California cities and counties.
The state guidance specifies that individuals engaged in work whether at the workplace or offsite must…
California Employers Face Different Recording and Reporting Requirements for COVID-19 Cases
Requirements for recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses are unique in California, with the state having more stringent obligations than federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) around both reporting of “serious injuries” and what constitutes a work-related injury or illness. To complicate the matter further for California employers, the State of California…
Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order Regarding Workers’ Compensation Presumption for Certain COVID-19 Related Claims
Under the California Workers’ Compensation Act (“the Act”), employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for employee injuries or illnesses which “arise out of and in the course of” employment. The Act, first passed in 1911 and amended over the years by the Legislature, provides a comprehensive system for administering claims, including the provision of disability…
Employers Consent to Cal/OSHA Inspection Deemed Voluntary Despite a Cavalcade of California Officials Descending on the Workplace
Recently, the California Court of Appeal reviewed an appeal regarding citations issued against a sheet metal company, Nolte Sheet Metal in Nolte Sheet Metal, Inc. v. Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board.
One of the issues presented was whether Nolte freely and voluntarily consented to a Cal/OSHA inspection. Under the California Labor Code, Cal/OSHA…
New California Law Creates Narrow Rest Break Exemption at Petroleum Facilities
On September 20, 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 2605. This new law provides that unionized employees at petroleum facilities who hold safety-sensitive positions are exempt from the requirement that employees be relieved of all duties during rest periods. The bill went into effect immediately and will remain in effect until…
Complimentary Live Webinar! California Flu Preparation: How to Protect Workers and Comply with Cal/OSHA’s New ATD Standard
Originally posted on BLR.com. For more information and to register, click here and enter code “Speakfree” to register free-of-charge compliments of Jackson Lewis.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
1:30 to 3 p.m. Eastern/10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific
Flu season seems to come earlier these days. And, when it strikes, it lasts longer and is more severe.
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