Safety/Health

Next big coronavirus threat: lawsuits against employers

05/21/2020

With so many workers unemployed and with little to lose (and a lot to gain), they aren’t being shy about bringing coronavirus legal claims related to workplace safety, wages, leave accommodations and more.

Taking temperatures: 6 tips to do it legally

05/21/2020

The EEOC has said checking temperatures during a pandemic is appropriate. Even so, there are legal risks. Follow these tips from the Foley & Lardner law firm.

As you reopen and workers return, beware the whistleblower

05/19/2020

At least three laws protect whistleblowers from retaliation, and could give rise to employer liability in the event of a termination or other adverse action on the heels of complaints (or other protected activity).

Return to work: Revise policies, procedures

05/19/2020

As states slowly lift their shutdown orders, employees are returning to the workplace. But you can’t just swing your doors open. Every process in your organization needs to be rethought, because each step carries potential safety and legal risks.

Feds’ guidance on return to work, reopening

05/14/2020

Prepare for your employees to return to work by familiarizing yourself with these recommendations.

OSHA publishes new translations of coronavirus safety poster

05/12/2020

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has translated its “Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus” poster into 11 languages in addition to English and Spanish.

Employer liability is next coronavirus threat

05/05/2020

As businesses around the country weigh the pros and cons of reopening, one question looms large: Could employers be held liable if employees contract COVID-19 while performing their jobs?

Return-to-work steps will prevent contact, exposure

04/28/2020

When employers reopen their workplaces and get back to business, they will rely on a combination of physical barriers, sanitation and testing to ensure employees and customers aren’t sickened by the coronavirus, according to polling by the Mercer consulting firm.

EEOC: CDC safety guidelines don’t violate ADA

04/28/2020

Employers are free to ask employees and job applicants if they have symptoms of COVID-19, screen them for illness and make them stay home if they test positive, according to the EEOC.

Beware retaliation following OSHA complaint

04/23/2020

The Occupational Safety and Health Act affords great protection to employees who report dangerous working conditions to the authorities. That has become an issue in the coronavirus era—and a potentially significant source of liability for employers who continue to operate as usual.