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Safety/Health

Should you offer COVID shots at work?

03/18/2021
In new guidelines issued on March 16, the CDC said employers should consider setting up an on-site vaccination program if they have a large number of workers with predictable schedules and enough space for a pop-up clinic (while still allowing for social distancing).

OSHA plans targeted covid-19 inspections

03/18/2021
Anew OSHA national emphasis program seeks to reduce the threat of coronavirus exposure at work by targeting enforcement inspections at employers that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of becoming infected.

OSHA announces national program to combat coronavirus at work

03/16/2021
OSHA says the national emphasis program will target enforcement efforts on employers that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The program also prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaining about unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

States shift mask enforcement to employers

03/16/2021
Employers are free to enforce their own mask rules. However, without government backing, conflicts are sure to emerge. Public-facing employees have expressed fears they must now enforce masking rules alone.

Covid liability waivers may have little value

03/04/2021
Some companies have been so worried about potential liability for coronavirus infections that they have begun requiring customers to sign liability waivers for any illness allegedly acquired at their establishments. And employers are going even further, persuading employees to sign away the right to bring any potential covid-related claims. It’s uncertain whether this tactic will work.

Review coronavirus-safety protocols ASAP

02/25/2021
It’s time to take a fresh look at your coronavirus-safety protocols—because enforcement agencies and even prosecutors may soon be examining them, too.

Offering incentives to get the vaccine? Tread carefully

02/19/2021
If you are considering offering a financial incentive, I caution you to tread carefully to make sure that you do you within the bounds of our equal employment opportunity laws.

False positives? Look out for fake COVID test results

02/19/2021
Increasing reports of people using photo-editing software to doctor COVID test results means employers need to pay more attention.

Require vaccinated staff to mask up, stay apart

02/19/2021
OSHA says that when it comes to setting COVID safety precautions in the workplace, employers should not distinguish between workers who are vaccinated and those who are not. The agency recommends that both groups should continue to wear face coverings and keep six feet apart to prevent spreading the virus.

Employers focus on vaccine education, not mandates

02/16/2021
Less than 1% of employers currently require their employees to receive a covid-19 vaccination and only 6% say they plan to mandate shots once vaccines are readily available, according to a new survey conducted by the Littler Mendelson employment law firm.