Employers mandating that employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 should know how to respond to an employee’s request for a religious exemption from the vaccination policy. In this post, I discuss the process an employer can use to distinguish an employee’s personal opposition to a vaccination from a sincerely held religious belief that qualifies as a
What to Do about Vaccinations: Employer Recommendations
On May 28, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its Technical Assistance Questions and Answers (Technical Assistance) about COVID-19 and Equal Employment Opportunity laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the Technical Assistance, the EEOC addressed many questions concerning the right of employers to screen for COVID-19 and/or for symptoms of
Larkin Hoffman’s Employment Attorneys Help Navigate Workplace Issues During COVID-19
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, many employers are navigating the best path forward for their business to ensure we keep our communities healthy while also protecting against potential litigation. Employers and employees are asking many questions about their rights and thoughtful comprehensive planning and policies are necessary. Employers have questions about whether they are
To Require Vaccines or Not: That is the Question
We are all waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine. When we have a vaccine, can an employer require that applicants and employees be vaccinated against COVID-19? Employers have a legitimate desire to keep their workplaces safe and to protect their employees from contracting COVID-19 in the workplace. Phyllis Karasov and Dan Ballintine discuss the practical and legal issues associated with an employer mandatory vaccination program.
Continue Reading To Require Vaccines or Not: That is the Question
Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance for Construction Revised with Little Real Change
This post is co-written by Phyllis Karasov and Mike Schechter.
On Wednesday, June 24, we wrote an article on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s guidance that requires a preparedness plan for the construction industry. The guidance was confusing and placed onerous responsibilities on contractors, owners and public entities, including ensuring that plans among
Manufacturing Guidelines: New or the Same?
OSHA has been criticized for failing to promulgate a new standard for COVID-19. The AFL-CIO sued OSHA in U.S. federal court, requesting a court to order OSHA to publish an emergency temporary standard covering COVID-19. Last week the D.C. Court of Appeals dismissed the lawsuit and the AFL-CIO has appealed.
Meanwhile in Minnesota, the State
Required COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for the Construction Industry
This post is co-written by Phyllis Karasov and Mike Schechter
In his recent Executive Order 20-74, Governor Walz’s ordered critical sector businesses to create and adopt a COVID-19 plan to make workplaces safe from the spread of the coronavirus, and his administration subsequently published guidance for specific industries that pose higher risks of transmission
Phyllis Karasov and Dan Ballintine Discuss Re-opening a “Safe” Workplace: OSHA, ADA and More
Employers are legally required to make their workplaces “safe” for their employees and customers. What does “safe” mean, given that no employer can guarantee a virus-free workplace? What are the rules on screening employees, taking temperatures, and refusing to allow employees showing symptoms of COVID-19 into the workplace? This session will talk about how to
Unemployment and a Returning Workforce: How the CARES Act Can Increase Unemployment Benefits
Many employers are recognizing the financial strain on their employees as they begin to plan for their businesses’ future in these unprecedented times. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) contains a number of provisions that make it easier to receive unemployment insurance benefits and increases the amount of unemployment benefits which
Is Your Workplace Following OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidelines?
As the agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has issued two pronouncements concerning COVID-19 and the workplace.
COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce
On April 21, 2020, OSHA published Guidance for the Construction Workforce which consists of tips to help reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus in