OSHA Sued to Implement Mandatory Worker Safety Standards at Meatpacking Facilities

5,000 meat and poultry plant workers have been sickened by COVID-19, but most facilities show no signs of improving public health and safety measures

Yesterday, Center for Food Safety and Food Chain Workers Alliance filed a legal action demanding that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issue an emergency temporary standard to protect workers in meat processing plants due to the high percentage of workers who have been sickened by COVID-19. 

Senator Turner to Introduce Legislation to Provide Employer Immunity from Lawsuits Related to Coronavirus

Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) will introduce this week the Employer and Employee COVID Protection Act to eliminate barriers to reopening businesses, get Americans back to work, and empower employees to decide for themselves if they feel safe in their workplace. This legislation will provide all complying businesses with immunity from civil lawsuits if one of their employees contracts coronavirus after states permit businesses to reopen. It will also provide employees with heightened health concerns an opportunity to request special accommodations from their employer and allow them to maintain eligibility for unemployment benefits if they still feel their risk of contracting COVID in their workplace is too high.

Senator Sweeney Bill Would Expand NJ Workers’ Comp Benefits for ‘Essential Workers’ Sickened in COVID Crisis

Senate President introduces legislation making it easier for employees on the front lines of coronavirus fight to get work-related benefits.

NJ To Expand Workers' Compensation Court Operations During the COVID-19 Emergency

Effective Monday, May 4, 2020 the NJ Division of Workers’ Compensation will operate under an expanded schedule under the COVID-19 emergency. The announced expansion of operations was announced by Chief Judge Russell Wojtenko, Jr. in a Notice to the Bar dated April 27, 2020.

NJ Division of Workers' Compensation COVID-19 Closing Extended to May 11, 2020

Notice to the Bar April 22, 2020

This notice announces additional statewide steps by the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation to address the ongoing public health crisis surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey.

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Expand Family Leave Protections During COVID-19 Outbreak

Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (S2374), which expands protections of the Family Leave Act to allow employees forced to take time off to care for a family member during the COVID-19 outbreak with up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave in a 24-month period without losing their jobs.

Back to Work Needs Congressional Support

As employee and employers look to their state governor’s for direction upon return to work, an undiscussed issue remains, the responsibility for work-related occupational exposures. While this is new territory, one might look toward other potential mass exposure scenarios in the US history for guidance.