Unions Sue Trump Admin for Shelving Standard That Would Protect America’s Healthcare Workers From Exposure to Infectious Diseases

Today, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), and the United Nurses Association of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) sued Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for unlawfully delaying rulemaking on an occupational standard to protect healthcare workers from infectious diseases transmitted by contact, droplets, or air — like influenza, COVID-19, and Ebola. In 2017, the Trump administration tabled work on an Infectious Diseases Standard. It has refused to move forward with the standard amid a catastrophic pandemic — and despite the pleas of healthcare professionals. The administration’s unreasonable delay violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

NJ Takes Action to Put Workers’ Health Ahead of Covid

Building on ongoing efforts to safeguard New Jersey’s frontline workforce, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 192, providing mandatory health and safety standards to protect all New Jersey’s workers at work during the pandemic.

Nursing Homes Unprepared for the Winter Coronavirus Surge

As the coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) case numbers drastically rise throughout the United State, the lack of preparation becomes more obvious and the burden on the workers’ compensation programs will equally increase. Essential medical workers and their support staff may become in short supply.

Health Emergency Curfew Imposed in Newark NJ

As the cases of coronavirus surge to record numbers, the City of Newark NJ is imposing a curfew and additional restrictions to curb the contagion of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Non-essential business are being asked to restrict their hours of operation and strengthen pandemic preparation activities to protect both their workers as well as the public at-large from the deadly and highly contagious virus.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to surge across the country and in NJ, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 191. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020 through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, and September 25. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed. 

NJ Cannabis Bill Advances Mandating Workers’ Compensation Coverage

The NJ Assembly will hold a hearing on October 26, 2020 at 10:30am on legislation A1706 that will mandate workers’ compensation carriers to cover coverage for the medical use of cannabis in certain circumstances.

Appellate Court Cautions Attorneys Against Disrespectful Attacks on Judges of Compensation

Civility has an essential role in the judicial process. All parties and the court are required to both understand and conform to the role of formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech in order to both maintain decorum and confidence in the judicial process.