Posted on December 23, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
One quick e-alert before you are off for some holiday cheer! OSHA just added new FAQs to its ETS webpage. We do not have time to go into detail as our elves are leaving for the day—however, please review new questions in Section 6 regarding testing. The link can be found here. Have a safe […]
Posted on December 18, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
This week I was talking to Bob, a local HR professional (you know who you are), and he asked, “So Sara, what are the chances we are going to get a ruling on this OSHA mandate before the holidays?” to which I replied, “Highly unlikely…I would be shocked if anything happens before the holidays—but I […]
Posted on November 8, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
On November 6, 2021, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted OSHA’s latest ETS by issuing an order staying the ETS until the court can conduct a full review. BST Holdings v. OSHA (5th Cir 11/06/2021). The order states: Before the court is the petitioners’ emergency motion to stay enforcement of the Occupational Safety […]
Posted on September 10, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
On Thursday, September 9, 2021, President Biden announced his new COVID-19 plan entitled “Path out of the Pandemic” (Plan). While this Plan includes several provisions, this e-alert highlights a few of those of most interest to employers: OSHA was directed to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). This ETS will require private sector employers with […]
Posted on June 10, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Blog
On Thursday, June 10, 2021, OSHA finally issued its long-delayed COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) which is effective immediately. However, it applies only to the healthcare sector. Applicable employers must comply with most provisions within 14 days and with the remaining provisions within 30 days. The full guidance can be found here. Who Does it […]
Posted on May 26, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Blog
OSHA has changed course and is now advising employers they do not need to record employees’ adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines on their OSHA logs. A month ago, OSHA’s position was adverse vaccine reactions had to be recorded as illnesses if an employer required its employees to be vaccinated. The new guidance now relieves employers […]
Posted on May 17, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
In follow up to our last post regarding CDC’s mask guidance, note that today OSHA updated its website to state the following: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance relating to recommended precautions for people who are fully vaccinated, which is applicable to activities outside of healthcare and a few […]
Posted on May 15, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
Unless you have been in a cave, you are aware that on May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that individuals who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no longer need to wear a face covering in many settings. Many of you shouted “HOORAY!” when you heard this news as […]
Posted on March 5, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Blog
On February 25, 2021, Governor Tony Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 4 (“Act”). The Act became effective on February 26, 2021. The Act, in part, created broad immunity to civil liability related to exposure of COVID-19 for companies under Wisconsin Statute section 895.476 (“Statute”). The full Act is available here. Worker’s compensation is still the […]
Posted on February 1, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Blog
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a new, “stronger” Guidance on identifying and preventing coronavirus exposure risks in the workplace. Although this is labeled a “Guidance” and OSHA says that it is advisory, employers are cautioned that they can be at risk for standard OSHA penalties under the General Duty Clause if […]