As temperatures rise and wildfire season intensifies across the Pacific Northwest, Washington State employers must remain alert – for the safety of their workforce and to follow state law. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has adopted specific rules that require businesses to protect employees from the dual hazards of heat-related illnesses
Don’t Sweat It: Nevada’s New Heat Illness Regulation is Here
Even as temperatures cool, Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) was working to adopt a heat illness regulation. On November 15, 2024, the State of Nevada adopted new regulations meant to protect employees from heat-related illness by placing new requirements on employers.
The new regulation, which took effect immediately upon approval, requires businesses with more
MSHA Issues Long Awaited Final Silica Rule
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) released its long-anticipated silica rule on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (See the rule here) The rule is aimed at reducing miners’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica, otherwise known as silica or quartz dust. The final version of the rule is mostly consistent with the version MSHA
Oregon OSHA Penalties Skyrocket (SB 592)
With the recent passage of Senate Bill 592, the Oregon Legislature has dramatically augmented the range of civil penalties on employers who violate Oregon Safe Employment laws. Previously, Oregon law imposed only the minimum civil penalties prescribed under the federal OSHA. Effective May 24, 2023, the minimum penalty for a single serious violation has
Oregon Legislature Contemplating Updates to the Oregon Safe Employment Act with Oregon Senate Bill 592 (SB 592)
- Allowing for “comprehensive inspection of any place of employment as deemed necessary by the department based upon the prior violation history of the place of employment regarding any state occupational safety or health law, regulation, standard, rule or order.”
Beat the Heat: Nevada’s Response to OSHA’S Heat Illness National Emphasis Program Focuses on Prevention and Inspections
Federal OSHA previously announced the creation of the Heat Illness National Emphasis Program (NEP) and signaled its intent to take a more proactive approach to prevent heat related illnesses. Now various states, including Nevada, are moving to adopt their own regulations regarding heat related illnesses. Understanding Nevada’s response to the NEP will help your business
Despite Relaxed CDC COVID-19 Guidance, No Relaxing of Rules (Yet) in California, Virginia
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has offered new COVID-19 guidance indicating that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks or maintain physical distance from others in most settings. However, questions about employers’ compliance obligations and general duty expectations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) remain.
Virginia COVID-19 Restrictions and Workplace Standards Challenged by Manufacturers’ Association
A manufacturers’ association and several employers have filed a lawsuit to enjoin Virginia’s Emergency Temporary Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention related to COVID-19, which the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board adopted on July 15, 2020.
To read the entire article, please click here.
Have You Started Your COVID-19 Training and Infectious Disease Plan In Virginia?
Virginia recently enacted its Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19. The standard’s requirement that employers train workers came and went on August 26, 2020. Virginia Occupational Safety and Health expects employers to complete their Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plans no later than September 25, 2020.
To view the complete article, please click here.
The New Virginia Emergency Workplace Standard for COVID-19 Is Here
Virginia has published its highly anticipated first-in-the-nation emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 in the workplace.
Employers may obtain a copy by clicking here.
If you have questions or need assistance in an OSHA or VOSH matter, please reach out to a member of the Jackson Lewis Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group.