By John Ayers-Mann and Daniel B. Klein,
Seyfarth Synopsis: On September 29, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an Executive Order outlining the process for “lower risk communities” to advance to Step Two of Phase Three of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. On September 30 and October 1, Massachusetts published updated guidance for businesses in several sectors across the State
Continue Reading Massachusetts Publishes Updated Reopening Guidance for Step 2 of Phase 3
By Brent I. Clark, Mark A. Lies, II, Adam R. Young, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: The CDC published guidance aimed at assisting retail and service companies in limiting workplace violence against or involving their employees that may be associated with enforcing face mask mandates and other COVID-19 precautions.
By John Ayers-Mann, Christopher W. Kelleher, Daniel B. Klein, Robert A. Fisher, and Ariel Cudkowicz
Seyfarth Synopsis: Massachusetts will move to the second step of Phase II of the State’s reopening plan beginning today, June 22. Updated COVID-19 guidance issued by the Baker Administration increases office occupancy limits to 50% of maximum capacity, permits indoor
Continue Reading Massachusetts Moves to Second Step of Phase II of Reopening Plan
By Benjamin D. Briggs, Joshua M. Henderson, Patrick D. Joyce, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has identified new safety hazards from the expanding nanotechnology industry.
We have previously blogged on future issues related to the
Continue Reading Future Enterprises: New Safety Hazards from Nanotechnology Materials and Processes on the Horizon
By Rachel Bernasconi, Paul Cutrone, Ameena Majid, and Peter Talibart
Seyfarth Synopsis: This is the first in a series of blogs dealing with modern slavery where we explore how companies can get ahead of the curve of the quickly changing legal landscape by educating themselves on their connection to this issue. Seyfarth has been very active internationally
Continue Reading Setting the Stage – Myths and Misunderstandings of Modern Slavery and Business
By Sara Eber Fowler and Lynn Kappelman
Seyfarth Synopsis: Oregon’s new employee scheduling law – impacting hourly employees at large retail, food service, and hospitality employers – goes into effect after the end of this week, on July 1. Affected employers must now be aware of the potential consequences in changing employees’ schedules.
Friendly Reminder! At the end of this
Continue Reading As Predicted…. On July 1, Oregon Will Become The First State With A Predictable Scheduling Law
Seyfarth Synopsis: Last minute scheduling change? Want to make sure you have enough employees on stand-by to cover shifts? In a growing number of areas around the country, that will cost you.
Fair scheduling laws – sometimes referred to as “predictive” or “predictable” scheduling – are popping up in city councils and state legislatures across
Continue Reading Fair Game? Predictable Scheduling Laws — The Sensation Sweeping The Nation
By Benjamin D. Briggs, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: In a challenge brought by trade associations for the farm supply and fertilizer industries, the D.C. Circuit vacates OSHA memorandum narrowing the retail exemption from the PSM standard.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently ruled against OSHA on
Continue Reading DC Circuit Finds OSHA “Interpretation” Narrowing Retail Exemption Under the Process Safety Management Standard Really a “Standard” Subject to Rulemaking Process
By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: DHS’s recommendations for active shooter prevention and preparedness is only one piece of an effective workplace violence prevention program. Employers should assess their workplaces and develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs and training.
With the wave of violence that has gripped the nation this summer, many clients are again asking
Continue Reading Wave of Shootings Puts Workplace Violence Back in the Spotlight
By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen
Violence, often involving firearms, is an increasingly common occurrence in the 21st century workplace. The Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that even though homicide is “the most publicized form of violence in the workplace, it is not the most common.”
The FBI defines workplace violence as “any physical assault, threatening behavior or
Continue Reading Workplace Violence Prevention: DHS Promotes “Active Shooter Preparedness” Programs – Is Your Company Ready?