Category: COVID-19
Oregon OSHA Adopted Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Rules May 4, 2021
On May 4, 2021, the Oregon Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) adopted permanent workplace rules related to COVID-19. The temporary rules OSHA previously adopted…
Governor Inslee Expected to Sign Additional COVID-19 Related Legislation
Over the past year, the Washington legislature has passed several bills meant to protect workers from the impacts of COVID-19. During the most recent session,…
Washington L&I Updates Guidance on Out-of-State Travel for IMEs
For employers with Washington claims involving individuals who have moved out of state, the pandemic has made it very difficult to obtain independent medical examinations….
Washington Workers’ Compensation in a Work from Home World
If there is one thing the pandemic showed us – outside of the beauty of sourdough and the ease of making chicken stock – it…
BOLI Passes Permanent Rules Relating to OFLA Sick Child Leave During Public Health Emergency
In March 2020, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) temporarily expanded Oregon Family Leave Act leave to extend protected leave to include employee leave…
Washington Legislature Considers New Presumptions for COVID-19
In the past, the Washington legislature created presumptive workers’ compensation causation for firefighters and workers at the Hanford Site. The legislature is close to creating…
Join Attorney Jamie Carlton in Webinar: Can Employer’s Require Vaccines?
Join SBH Attorney Jamie Carlotn and Nicolle Farup of Good Company HR as they discuss whether employers can and should require vaccines. This all-important webinar…
Oregon OSHA Proposes “Permanent” COVID-19 Rules
Recently, Oregon OSHA formally proposed a “permanent” COVID-19 rule to replace the temporary rule, which is set to expire May 4, 2021. Oregon OSHA’s rule…
As COVID-19 Pandemic Continues, Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries Continues to Adapt
As the COVID-19 pandemic endures and uncertainty surrounds vaccine roll outs, the virus continues to impact our everyday lives and how we conduct our businesses….
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, keep in mind OAR 436-060-0141 requirements before issuing a denial
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Oregon, it is reasonable to anticipate a corresponding surge in workers’ compensation claims related to confirmed COVID-19 cases…
Employer Resources for Compliance with Oregon OSHA’s Temporary COVID-19 Workplace Standards
The recently adopted Temporary Rule Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) includes a series of requirements for employers…
FFCRA Leave not Extended under New Stimulus Bill
Earlier this year, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) which required covered employers to provide eligible employees with paid leave for specific…
EEOC Provides Guidance on Employer Mandated COVID-19 Vaccination
On December 16, 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provided updated guidance on the subject of vaccines in the wake of the Food…
COVID 19 Travel Restrictions – Impact on Independent Medical Examinations in Washington
On November 13, 2020 Washington state governor Jay Inslee issued a travel advisory recommending that people arriving in Washington from other states or countries, including…
OR OSHA still has not passed final rules relating to COVID-19
In June 2020 Oregon OSHA announced it would implement temporary workplace rules to address the COVID-19 hazard. Oregon OSHA expected it would have the final…
Oregon WCD Issues Revised Temporary Rule on Claims for COVID-19 or Exposure to COVID-19
The Workers’ Compensation Division has issued OAR 436-060-0141, a temporary rule addressing claims for COVID-19 and claims for exposure to COVID-19. The rule will remain…
As the COVID pandemic continues, where does the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division stand on telemedicine?
In March 2020, the Division set out temporary rules to address fees related to telemedicine appointments following Governor Brown’s “Stay at Home Order.” The temporary…
Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board now administering hearings and mediations via “Zoom” platform
Since April, under Governor Brown’s “Stay home, Save lives” Executive Orders, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) hearings divisions have not administered any in-person hearings or…
Getting Back to Work in a COVID World
As we all begin to return to work following the loosening of restrictions, it is important to take stock and prepare for the future. By…
Trial Attorneys and Unions Pushing for COVID-19 Presumption Legislation
On June 23, 2020, Governor Brown directed the Management-Labor Advisory Committee (MLAC) to explore any gaps in our current workers’ compensation system related to COVID-19,…
Oregon OSHA will Adopt Rules Addressing the COVID-19 Emergency
Recently, Oregon OSHA announced it has begun work on temporary rules addressing the COVID-19 emergency. The target date for the rules is September 1st and…
SBH Video Series: PPP Loans and Return to Work
SBH is excited to announce it will be producing a series of short videos addressing various issues employers are facing during the COVID-19 Crisis and…
Claims Examiner Certification Renewal in Oregon and COVID-19
Three months into the pandemic, we have all seen changes in both our daily lives and in our professional lives. One of these changes has…
Course of Employment in Washington: What Factors are Considered When an Employee is Injured While Working from Home?
As the State of Washington slowly implements its four-phase recovery plan, many employees continue to work remotely from home in various capacities due to the…
Oregon Health Authority Releases Reopening Guidance for Oregon Employers
On May 7, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released a series of sector-specific guidance as well as general guidance to assist employers in making…
