Copyright
Sunday, January 23, 2022
NJ vaccine mandate imposed for Health Care Workers and others
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Vaccine Mandate-EEOC: Employers that demonstrate “undue hardship” are not required to accommodate an employee’s request for a religious accommodation
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) declared that religious objectors to employer COVID-19 vaccine requirements need not be accommodated in certain circumstances.
Friday, October 8, 2021
OSHA cites insurance agency for exposing workers to coronavirus
A federal workplace health investigation found that an auto insurance company ignored coronavirus safety requirements and allowed others displaying symptoms to work at the exact Denver location where an employee died with COVID-19.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Is It Your Employer’s Business if You Are Vaccinated?
Privacy issues have arisen as employers throughout the U.S. are mandating and/or encouraging COVID vaccinations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [H.S.S.] recently issued guidance on workplace vaccinations and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (H.I.P.P.A.), 42 U.S.C.A. § 201 et seq.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
NJ Appellate Division Rules That The City of Newark Can Implement Its Vaccine Mandate
The NJ Appellate Division held that the Mayor of the City of Newark has the authority, as a managerial prerogative, to mandate that all City employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Nine unions representing City employees filed unfair labor practice charges against the City with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). The unions had requested an injunction to prevent implementing the mandate before the City negotiated with the unions. A Director of PERC issued an order granting in part and denying the unions' request for preliminary injunctive relief.
Saturday, August 14, 2021
NJ Announces Indoor Mask Requirement for Beginning of 2021-2022 School Year
Joined by educators, medical professionals, parents, and school administrators, NJ Governor Phil Murphy today announced that all students, educators, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face masks indoors for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The Governor signed Executive Order (EO) 251, which will mandate masking in the indoor premises of all public, private, and parochial preschool, elementary, and secondary school buildings, with limited exceptions. The EO is effective on Monday, August 9, 2021.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Court Upholds Mandatory Vaccination or Termination
A Federal court has dismissed an action brought by 117 employees against Houston Methodist hospital’s policy requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by June 7, 2021, or be terminated.
Friday, May 28, 2021
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Issues Update On Vaccinations
The following is shared from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission eeoc.gov
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
OSHA cites 6 contractors for exposing workers to falls
Six contractors constructing luxury single-family homes at the future site of Hawthorne Estates in Medford put workers at risk of serious or fatal injuries by failing to comply with federal requirements to prevent falls, the leading cause of death in the construction industry.
After multiple on-site investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the companies for exposing workers to falls and other dangerous safety hazards while erecting walls and sheathing roofs.
OSHA initiated three of the inspections as part of its Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction. During the first on Oct. 20, 2020, the compliance officer observed workers exposed to falls and other hazards. Inspectors observed the same hazards during a second inspection two days later, prompting the third inspection on Oct. 31.
After the three inspections, OSHA proposed total penalties of $244,397 and cited the companies collectively for four willful and 35 serious violations, including exposing workers to falls greater than 6 feet and not providing personal protective equipment. The companies, citations and proposed penalties are:
Company Name |
City |
State |
Citations |
Proposed Penalty |
Claudio DeSousa, operating as Lifetime Contractor Corp. |
Philadelphia |
PA |
$107,279 |
|
Lezinho Sousa, operating as Lifetime Contractor Corp. |
Pennsauken |
NJ |
$87,381 |
|
WSJ Construction |
Asbury Park |
NJ |
$16,383 |
|
Gustavo Quintomillno, operating as Lifetime Contractor Corp. |
Beverly |
NJ |
$12,874 |
|
LWJ Construction LLC |
Long Branch |
NJ |
$12,288 |
|
RMM Contractor LLC |
Long Branch |
NJ |
$8,192 |
"A fall can permanently alter or end a worker’s life in a matter of seconds," said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. "Contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry have a legal obligation to comply with the law and ensure their workers end their shifts safely. When employers fail to follow requirements, OSHA will hold them responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
OSHA encourages employers to use its Stop Falls online resources, including detailed information on fall protection standards in English and Spanish. The site offers fact sheets, posters and videos that illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.
The companies have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Governor Murphy Announces Intention to Nominate Rachel Wainer Apter to Serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court
OSHA cites New Jersey frozen dessert manufacturer after second amputation injury on same machine
Saturday, March 6, 2021
OSHA fined an Ohio company following a partial arm amputation
While cleaning an auger used to rice potatoes, a 39-year-old production worker found her left arm caught in a running auger. The worker suffered multiple lacerations and the partial amputation of her arm. Co-workers had to cut the auger apart to free her arm.
Monday, March 1, 2021
EEOC Cases: 58% Retaliation-36.1% Disability
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today released detailed breakdowns for the 67,448 charges of workplace discrimination the agency received in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The agency secured $439.2 million for victims of discrimination in the private sector and state and local government workplaces through voluntary resolutions and litigation. The comprehensive enforcement and litigation statistics for FY 2020, which ended on Sept. 30, 2020, are posted on the agency’s website, which also includes detailed breakdowns of charges by state.
Monday, February 22, 2021
Cannabis Legislation Enacted in NJ
Friday, February 12, 2021
Just Published - Workers' Compensation Law 2021 COVID-19 Update
Jon Gelman’s* newly revised and the updated treatise on Workers’ Compensation Law has been published by Thomson Reuters®. The treatise is the most complete and research integrated work available on NJ Workers’ Compensation law. Updated annually for over 35 years, this body of work provides practical tips, objective analysis, and academic support for the workers' compensation community.
Saturday, September 19, 2020
OSHA Cites Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, For Failing to Protect Workers from the Coronavirus
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited CarePlus Bergen Inc., doing business as Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, for violating respiratory protection standards at its Paramus, New Jersey, location. OSHA cited the hospital for two serious violations, with proposed penalties of $9,639.
Friday, September 18, 2020
OSHA Cites Hackensack Meridian Health in North Bergen, New Jersey, For Failing to Protect Employees from Coronavirus
Monday, July 20, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - The workers' compensation community should support TTSI
The workers' compensation community should play an active role to contain the spread of COIVD-19. Labor, Industry and insurance companies must be encouraged to participate in contact tracing, testing and supported isolation [TTSI]. All reports of illness and incidents of COVID-19 should trigger reportable investigations that are co-ordinated with local and state health agencies. Communication with employees should be encouraged for testing, isolation and expansion of contact testing.