HHS Announces $103 Million from American Rescue Plan to Strengthen Resiliency and Address Burnout in the Health Workforce

 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the availability of an estimated $103 million in American Rescue Plan funding over a three-year period to reduce burnout and promote mental health among the health workforce. 

OSHA Cites Dental Practice for Coronavirus Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor has taken legal action against two North Texas dentists on behalf of a dental hygienist and a dental assistant who were not reinstated after expressing concerns about what coronavirus safety measures would be in place when the practice reopened in spring 2020.

NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development Halts Work at Construction Site After Violations Found

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has again used its authority to stop work at a construction site at which subcontractors were found to be violating state labor laws.

“Forever Chemical” Delaware Settlement $50 Million

It has been reported that DuPont and two other spinoff companies will pay the state of Delaware $50 Million to clean up the residuals of polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS] pollution. 

NJ Workers' Compensation Payment Rates Will Increase in 2022

The  New Jersey Division of Worker's Compensation has announced the calculations for the rates of compensation in 2022. The minimum rate of compensation will be $284 per week and the maximum rate $1,065 per week. It is based upon the state average weekly wage for the prior year.

OSHA issues updated enforcement guidance for inspections

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a memorandum updating its enforcement guidance for compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) when inspecting tree care and tree removal operations.

Annual respirator fit-testing again required by OSHA

On July 7, 2021, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration issues an Updated Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) regarding enforcement discretion for periodic respiratory protection equipment shortages and associated constraints (i.e., fit-testing supplies and provision of related services) during the COVID-19 pandemic.