Seyfarth Synopsis: Today we will begin posting a monthly summary of our Workplace Safety and Environmental blogs posted over the month, as a way to keep you connected and aware of the latest thought leadership. As always, readers are encouraged to reach out to our authors with and comments or questions raised from the
Virginia Adopts Emergency Workplace Safety Regulations
By Benjamin D. Briggs, Patrick D. Joyce, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: In late May, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam directed the state’s Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to develop emergency temporary standards to prevent workplace exposure to COVID-19. Those rules were adopted on July 15, 2020.
OSHA Updates FAQs on Face Masks in the Workplace
By James L. Curtis, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated its frequently asked questions and answers to advise employers about the use of face masks in the workplace.
We had blogged previously about face masks at work. See DOL Issues
EPA Ends Enforcement Discretion Policy for COVID-19 Pandemic on August 31
By Andrew H. Perellis, Jeryl L. Olson, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: On June 29, 2020, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a memorandum regarding termination of the COVID-19 temporary enforcement policy. EPA has selected August 31, 2020 as the termination date for its temporary enforcement policy.
First Employer Cited For Violating Washington’s Safe Start Order
By Helen M. McFarland and Amanda J. Hailey
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) issued its first citation against an employer for violating Washington’s Safe Start Order.
As set forth in our May 28, 2020 blog post “Prohibited Business Activities and Conditions for Operations,” the State of Washington is
Heat Illness – A Phantom Menace: Sweatt Blogs on Safety Measures and Heat Illness in the Workplace
By James L. Curtis, Mark A. Lies, II, Patrick D. Joyce, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA Administrator Loren Sweatt recently blogged related to heat illness in the workplace as “forecasters are calling for above-average heat in some parts of the country and scorching temperatures in
Nothing Comes Close To The Golden Coast: California Requires Masks
By Jaclyn Gross and Chantelle C. Egan
Seyfarth Synopsis: As counties begin loosening local restrictions and summer approaches, and in an effort to preempt a rise in COVID-19 cases, the California Department of Public Health issued a directive mandating that residents statewide wear face coverings.
Before last week, California only recommended that residents wear
OSHA Issues New Guidance As Non-Essential Businesses Reopen and Employees Return to Work
By James L. Curtis, Ilana R. Morady, Adam R. Young, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued Guidance to assist employers reopening non-essential businesses ensure the safety of their employees and the public during the evolving coronavirus pandemic.
The new
DC Circuit Court Denies Union’s Suit Against OSHA to Force Emergency Temporary Worker Safety Standard
By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) had brought suit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals against the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, through an Emergency Petition For A Writ Of Mandamus, and Request For Expedited
DOL Issues FAQs About Face Coverings, Surgical Masks, and Respirators in the Workplace
By James L. Curtis, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a series of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the use of masks in the workplace to assist the regulated community.
Right up front, the FAQs settles once and for