Employers Can't Compel COVID-19 Antibody Testing

CDC said in its Interim Guidelines that antibody test results “should not be used to make decisions about returning persons to the workplace.” In light of this CDC guidance, under the ADA may an employer require antibody testing before permitting employees to re-enter the workplace? (6/17/20)

COVID Predictions Now Estimating Second Wave Beginning Sept 15 in US and 200,000 deaths

The Sun-Belt States, lead by Florida, are now reporting a huge upswing in US-COVID reinfection rates. Implementation of rapid return to work scenarios, and lackadaisical attitudes by 14-50 year olds in failing to adhere to social distancing and use of face masks, is now causing a massive increase in COVID hospitalizations and deaths. The new modeling prediction is going to create further uncertainty as to financial stability in the workers' compensation arena going forward. 

Bill Prohibits Retaliation Against Workers Who Refuse to Work in Unsafe COVID Working Condition

Recently introduced NJ legislation provides that during any public health emergency or state of emergency declared by the Governor Pat Murphy, and employee who:

Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act of 2020

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, will hold a remote hearingt o examine the health and economic burdens shouldered by essential workers and their loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Case for a Federal Response to Compensate Workers

Several recent studies highlight the inability of workers’ compensation based programs on a state level to provide a consistent and coherent response to a viral national pandemic such as COVID-19.

OSHA Fines Palisades Park NJ Contractor $1.9 Million For Safety Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing penalties against BB Frame LLC – operating as Frame Q and as Juan Quevedo (the owner and principal) – for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards at four Bergen County, New Jersey, worksites. OSHA conducted five investigations beginning in December 2019 of the Palisades Park, New Jersey, framing contractor and is proposing $1,997,125 in penalties.

Congressional Committee Examines Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act

This week, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, held a hearing examining the ways in which H.R. 6909, the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act of 2020, would help essential workers and their families who have suffered the health and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.