Author: Jessica Mulholland

4407
Posted in Health and Safety Workplace Safety

California Wildfires: Employee Pay, Smoke Protection

As of August 19, more than 360 wildfires were simultaneously raging across California, destroying property and prompting evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents. On…

4286
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

California Releases ‘Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening’

On July 24, 2020, when the reported number of COVID-19 cases in California surpassed 425,000, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new playbook — called the…

3967
Posted in General

Beware of New Unemployment Insurance Scams

As the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, including an 11.1 percent unemployment rate in June, a new threat has emerged — unemployment…

5155
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Employers Can’t Require COVID-19 Antibody Testing

As California’s economy continues to reopen, and workplaces start allowing employees to re-enter, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently updated its COVID-19 guidance,…

Gym patrons will be asked to wear a face covering during their workouts.
3169
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

California Eases Into ‘Expanded Stage 2’ Reopening

On June 5, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that with certain modifications, schools, day camps, bars and gyms in approved counties could reopen as soon…

Use this free flow chart to determine whether a presumption of COVID-19 in your worker applies.
6566
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workers' Compensation

COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Claim Presumption Flowchart

In early May, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order extending workers’ compensation benefits to California employees who contract COVID-19 while working outside of their…

California’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor workers, including those in construction.
3274
Posted in Heat Illness

As Temps Rise, Protect Your Outdoor Workers from Heat Illness

As the first major heat wave of the season sends temperatures across California into the 100s, Cal/OSHA reminds all employers to review high temperature advisories…

Restaurant patrons will be asked to wear a face covering when not eating or drinking.
5235
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

California Guidelines for Reopening Dine-In Restaurants

On Tuesday, May 12, Governor Gavin Newsom released guidelines that will take California further into Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan — including guidance…

The COVID-19 national emergency declaration has affected the H-1B Visa process.
3711
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Hiring

COVID-19 Impacts H-1B Visa Applications, Processing

As of noon, Eastern time on March 20, the initial (and brand-spankin’ new) 2021 H-1B Visa application process officially closed, and the U.S. Citizenship and…

Certain employers may inspect Form I-9 Section 2 documentation remotely during the COVID-19 national emergency.
5323
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Form I-9

Form I-9 Document Inspection More Flexible Due to COVID-19

Although COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, is causing employers uncertainty for the future, they’re still hiring — even as many of their employees are…