Several deadlines related to COBRA and ERISA special health plan enrollments have been extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
4847
Posted in Benefits COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

COBRA and ERISA Deadlines Extended

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury extended several employer-sponsored health plan-related deadlines, including those related…

California’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor workers, including those in construction.
4459
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…

Cal/OSHA has provided guidance on COVID-19-related employee training including cough and sneeze etiquette.
9747
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workplace Safety

Cal/OSHA Expands Employer Injury and Illness Prevention Program Requirements

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, continues to modify rules and guidance for businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic….

Long Beach employers should review their existing policies and make necessary changes for the new COVID-19-related supplemental paid sick leave ordinance effective now.
5976
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Local Ordinances

Long Beach Joins Localities With COVID-19 Supplemental Sick Leave

On May 19, 2020, Long Beach became the sixth California locality to adopt a supplemental paid sick leave ordinance related to COVID-19. Passed as an…

RSVP for this online, public convening on workplace mental health on May 27, 2020.
4608
Posted in Health and Safety

Convening on Workplace Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. And as COVID-19 threatens our physical health and economic stability, this month serves as an excellent reminder to prioritize…

Employers have the discretion to allow employees to make certain mid-year changes.
5179
Posted in Benefits COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Cafeteria Plans, FSAs, Dependent Care Assistance Programs More Flexible Due to COVID-19

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released new guidance, Notice 2020-29, providing increased flexibility for individuals participating in section 125 cafeteria plans, health flexible spending arrangements…

Restaurant patrons will be asked to wear a face covering when not eating or drinking.
6734
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 DIR has now provided some guidance, in the form of questions and answers, on the implementation of California’s new worker’s compensation executive order.
5983
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Workers' Compensation

New Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19 Guidance

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has posted a Question and Answer page clarifying certain aspects of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-62-20, which…

Oakland’s emergency paid sick leave ordinance imposes some additional requirements on employers already covered by the FFCRA.
7028
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Local Ordinances

Oakland Adopts Emergency COVID-19-Related Paid Sick Leave Ordinance

On May 12, 2020, the Oakland City Council unanimously passed the Emergency Paid Sick Leave for Oakland Employees ordinance, effective immediately upon adoption, to provide…

4107
Posted in COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

[May 21 Webinar] Creating a Return to Work Plan for Your California Employees

On May 7, 2020, Governor Newsom released industry guidance allowing for a gradual reopening of California’s economy. As California and its localities begin to modify…