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Author Archives: Chris Hilgenfeld
ESD Q&A – CARES Act Federal Stimulus
(as of April 21, 2020) Washington ESD has provided the following Q&A as it relates to the CARES Act federal stimulus package: Q: I heard there is legislation that has passed to expand unemployment insurance, how does this affect me? A: This legislation will likely help many people, including people who typically don’t qualify for unemployment benefits – including those who don’t have the usually required 680 hours. We are working as quickly as possible to implement the changes under the … Continue reading
Posted in COVID-19, Legal Updates, Unemployment Benefits (WA), Washington
Tagged CARES Act, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Unemployment, Washington
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Mine Operators and COVID-19
FLEXIBILITIES FOR MINE OPERATORS The Mine Safety and Health Administration will work with mine operators when it comes to the following recertifications: Annual refresher training certification (30 CFR Part 46) Surface and underground annual refresher training certification (30 CFR Part 48) Certified person; sampling (30 CFR §§ 70/71/90.202) Certified person; maintenance and calibration (30 CFR §§ 70/71/90.203) Exemptions to recertifications will not be granted; however, their due dates will be extended by at least the time the government is operating … Continue reading
ESD Emergency Rulemaking
Here is a summarized list of the emergency rules promulgated by ESD related to COVID-19: March 25, 2020 CR 103E (Shared Work)| Emergency rules (3/25/2020) The emergency rule makes changes to shared work eligibility. March 24, 2020 CR 103E (Job search optional)| Emergency rules (3/24/2020) The emergency rule makes changes to job search requirements for Unemployment Insurance claimants. March 20, 2020 CR 103E (Consolidated Standby Rules, March 9, March 13, and March 20, 2020)| Emergency rules (3/20/2020) The emergency rule consolidates standby emergency rules from … Continue reading
Posted in Unemployment Benefits (WA), Washington
Tagged Coronavirus, COVID-19, Unemployment, Washington
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Governor Inslee’s Orders
(as of May 1, 2020) On April 24, 2020, Governor Inslee announced his plan to allow “low-risk” construction projects to proceed here. This “Phase 1 Construction Restart” memorandum allows “authorized construction” to proceed. “Authorized construction” includes (1) construction previously authorized under Proclamation 20-25 and Gov. Inslee’s March 25, 2020, memo on construction, and (2) construction activity that is needed to fulfill an obligation under a contract effective prior to March 23, 2020, or authorized by a government-issued permit obtained prior to March 23, … Continue reading
COVID-19 and Commercial Truck Driver Requirements (as of March 19, 2020)
FEDERAL. Effective March 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial truck drivers transporting emergency relief in response to COVID-19. This waiver is in effect for 30 days (April 12) unless extended. On March 18, 2020, FMCSA expanded the regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts intended to meet immediate needs for: Medical supplies and equipment … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged COMMERCIAL DRIVING, Coronavirus, COVID-19, FMCSA, HOURS OF SERVICE
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Oregon Government Response to COVID-19
An ongoing list of enacted Oregon State legislation related to employment issues and COVID-19. (as of May 1, 2020) Governor Kate Brown’s executive order directs Oregonians to stay at home. This Order “remains in effect until ended by the governor.” As of May 1, some non-urgent medical procedures can resume if the hospital, medical office, or dental office meets the state requirements for COVID-19 safety precautions. Additional restriction may be eased depending on numerous factors, including the declining number of COVID-19 cases, … Continue reading
Employment Legislation – State of Washington
An ongoing list of enacted Washington State legislation related to employment issues. (As of March 18, 2020) Washington HB 2965, among other things, added $25 million appropriation from the budget stabilization account for expenditure into the COVID-19 unemployment account. It became effective on March 17, 2020. Washington HB 2739 adjusted certain requirements of the shared leave program. Includes a provision of shared leave for employees in isolation or quarantine as requested or ordered by a public health offiical or health … Continue reading
COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits in Washington (as of March 18, 2020)
(as of April 21, 2020) Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) has issued emergency rules for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. They have also prepared a comparison guide for some common COVID-19 scenarios that affect benefits. Here are Summaries and Questions and Answers provided by the ESD for Employers related to COVID-19: CARES Act and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Federal stimulus in the recently enacted CARES Act creates Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for businesses and workers affected by COVID-19. How will the CARES Act help me? … Continue reading
Posted in COVID-19, Unemployment Benefits (WA), Washington
Tagged Coronavirus, COVID-19, Unemployment, Washington
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COVID-19 and WARN Act Layoffs (as of March 18, 2020)
In reviewing whether layoffs are required, there are a number of legal factors that may come into play. One of those is the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“WARN”) Act. The WARN Act was designed to offer protection to workers by requiring employers to provide 60 days notification in advance of plant closings and covered mass layoffs. Q: Does the WARN Act still apply if are forced to suspend operations on account of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and its aftermath? A: … Continue reading
Posted in COVID-19, Legal Updates, WARN Act
Tagged Coronavirus, COVID-19, layoff, WARN Act
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COVID-19 and Workplace Safety (as of March 18, 2020)
What’s the main workplace safety guidance we should follow? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, outlining steps employers can take to help protect their workforce. OSHA has divided workplaces and work operations into four risk zones, according to the likelihood of employees’ occupational exposure during a pandemic. These risk zones are useful in determining appropriate work practices and precautions. Very High Exposure Risk: Healthcare employees performing aerosol-generating procedures on known or … Continue reading